I just found another bit of information. Some might consider it interesting, some not

''Step Inside MS'' National Tour Brings
First-of-Its-Kind Multiple Sclerosis Simulator to the Beverly Center in Los Angeles

Wednesday September 5, 10:30 am ET

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On Friday and Saturday, September 7th and 8th at the Beverly Center in Los Angeles, residents have a unique opportunity to experience a brief simulation of what it is like for those living with multiple sclerosis (MS) through a state-of-the-art multi-media educational event called Step Inside MS. The event allows participants to experience the world from the perspective of someone with MS and learn how they can be more understanding and supportive of the estimated 12,500 people with MS in the Southern California.

"Multiple sclerosis can change everything. The way you experience life, the way you think of yourself, the way other people suddenly can't understand you. It's a completely different world from anything you could possibly imagine. You just never know what's going to hit you," says Southern California resident Barbara Eyster, who was diagnosed with this chronic and unpredictable disease of the central nervous system five years ago. Even though an estimated 400,000 Americans live with MS, symptoms vary so dramatically from person to person that a veil of mystery surrounds MS like few other chronic conditions today.

Step Inside MS is brought to Los Angeles in collaboration with the Southern California Chapter of the National MS Society. National MS Society representatives will be on hand to talk about support for the MS community, while area doctors and patients will discuss available treatment options.

With Step Inside MS, participants interact with cutting-edge media and technology to simulate a realistic approximation of the MS patient experience. Accompanied by a trained attendant, participants enter a small theatrical simulator that houses a treadmill where they will be outfitted with goggles and sensory gloves so they experience many of the symptoms that people with MS often encounter, including unpredictable loss of muscle control and coordination problems, numbness and tingling in the hands, hot flashes, and visual and cognitive impairment such as memory loss and decreased verbal ability. The simulation also illustrates social hurdles that a person with MS often faces.

"Each person experiences MS differently," explains Leon LeBuffe, President of the Southern California Chapter of the National MS Society. "Step Inside MS is a first step in understanding this complex disease so that people living with MS, as well as others, can share experiences and better support our MS community."

A New Approach to Learning About MS

Designed by New York City-based events design firm, The RJO Group, Step Inside MS unites communications and entertainment technology with scientific research on the neurological causes and effects of MS. Step Inside MS represents the next generation of health education and a unique method to communicate about one of the most complex diseases being treated today.

According to the National MS Society, in MS, the immune system mistakes myelin, the protective insulating sheath surrounding nerve fibers in the central nervous system as being foreign tissue and attacks it leaving scars of hardened sclerotic patches called plaques in multiple places within the brain and spinal cord. In the process the nerve fibers themselves are also damaged. When this happens, the ability of the nerves to conduct electrical impulses to and from the brain is disrupted, and the various symptoms of MS result. Step Inside MS helps to show the reality of MS, while also providing a basis for understanding the treatment options that are available for those who are affected by the disease.

"I have studied MS and treated patients for 35 years, but Step Inside MS has taken my understanding to a new level," says Los Angeles-area neurologist, David W. Brandes, MD, Medical Director of the Northridge Multiple Sclerosis Center and Assistant Clinical Professor in Neurology at the University of California, Los Angeles, who treats approximately 1,000 MS patients locally. "Step Inside MS can take on a special meaning for patients and people in their lives by simulating the debilitating nature of the disease and allowing people to empathize with a patient's day-to-day experiences. I hope many people are able to come out and participate."

Step Inside MS at the Beverly Center

Dr. Brandes will be on hand, along with others, to discuss treatment options and how to find assistance with MS. Step Inside MS is free of charge and open to the public Friday and Saturday, September 7th and 8th at the Beverly Center in the Grand Court. The MS Simulator experience takes approximately six minutes.

For more information about multiple sclerosis, research or additional MS programs, services and educational opportunities in Southern California, please contact the NationalMS Society at 1-800-344-4867 or visit [link].