Intensive medical research efforts that have gone into developing vaccines for Covid-19 could possibly have paved the way for a vaccine for an unrelated condition — multiple sclerosis.
The flurry of medical science research that has occurred on a vast and unprecedented scale during the Covid-19 pandemic has opened up avenues for the development of medications and vaccines for other diseases too. According to the result of one study that was published recently in the journal Science, one of those conditions could possibly be a vaccine for multiple sclerosis.
The research for this new vaccine has so far only been confined to mice, but the researchers believe that the results are promising enough for human trials soon.
Multiple sclerosis is a condition in which there is a breakdown of communication between the brain and other parts of the body. This breakdown occurs when the immune system attacks the protective layer that sheaths nerve fibres. As a result, the individual may experience difficulty in maintaining balance, motor coordination, and walking. There may be vision difficulties as well as declines in cognitive abilities, including concentration, attention and memory. As the disease progresses, the person may experience impairments in hand coordination, swallowing, and even breathing.
All of these symptoms of multiple sclerosis can make it very difficult for a person to continue leading a productive life. The Social Security Administration provides disability benefits for people who suffer from multiple sclerosis if the condition makes it difficult for them to hold down a full-time job and earn a living. There are 3 sections of the listings, that may apply to persons who suffer from multiple sclerosis – 11.09, neurological disorders; 2.00 special senses and speech; and 12.00 mental disorders. Even if your symptoms do not fall under these listings, you may still qualify for disability benefits if your symptoms match other disabilities.