Question Title: MS and Polio vaccines

Forum: Neurology Forum
Topic: Multiple Sclerosis

Posted by ccf neuro M.D.* on September 13, 1997 at 18:20:07:

In Reply to: MS and Polio vaccines posted by Debra on August 29, 1997 at 12:55:43:

My friend, Mariah, has MS and we are wondering about the rumors of a link between the polio vaccine and MS. Is there a possible connection? Who is looking into it and how does one get a hold of their findings?
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Debra,

Sorry about the long delay in answering your question. It was accidentally missed!!! Any event that triggers the immune system to respond--- whether an infection, a vaccine, stress etc. may trigger the first episode or subsequent episodes of loss of neurologic functioning in multiple sclerosis. Although there have been innumerable theories about whether a particular virus or vaccine (measles vaccine was a hot topic years ago) is "responsible" for or auses M.S. The fact of the matter is that lots of people who DON'T ever receive any particular vaccine or contract a particular virus also get M.S., and none of these theories has ever thus been proven or resulted in any new treatments for the disease. I am not aware of any recent work on polio vaccine and M.S. in particular, but you may wish to contact the Cleveland Clinic's Mellen Center, a center devoted exclusively to the diagnosis, treatment, and research of M.S., or one of the two national M.S. socities. The number for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is (212)-986-3240; FAX (212)-986-7981; e-mail info@nmss.org and webpage http://www.nmss.org; the number for the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America is 1-800-833-4672 or (609)-488-4500; FAX (609)-661-9797. You can reach the Mellen Center at 1-800-223-2273; ask to be connected to the Mellen Center and then to leave a message for one of the research nurses.
Information provided on the neurology forum is intended for general medical informational purposes only. Actual diagnosis and treatment of any individuals medical condition should be strictly in conjunction with their treating physician(s). We hope you and your friend find the information provided useful, anf wish your friend well in meeting the challenges posed by this unpredictable and still poorly understood disease.

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