MS news notes: Dalfampridine, Neural Sleeve, vitamin D

Welcome to “MS News Notes,” a column where I comment on multiple sclerosis (MS) news stories that caught my eye last week. Here’s a look at what’s been happening:

Dalfampridine side effects

The side effects that might occur if you use dalfampridine (sold under the brand name Ampyra) seem to be about the same as those listed on the medication’s label, according to research discussed in the MS News Today story “Study examines real-world side effects linked to dalfampridine.” But the study isn’t conclusive about whether those side effects, which were reported to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Adverse Event Reporting System, were caused by dalfampridine or by the patients’ MS.

I used dalfampridine — sometimes called the “walking drug” — for a number of years, and I think it improved my walking speed a bit. I can’t remember any side effects, but eventually, the medication’s benefits decreased and it no longer seemed to be worth its cost, so I stopped using it.

According to the story, “Common side effects included urinary tract infection (UTI), dizziness and MS worsening, consistent with the therapy’s known profile. However, previously unreported adverse events, such as spinal cord injury, also were identified.”

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Neural Sleeve named a Time ‘best invention’

The Neural Sleeve is a fairly new product of AI-powered bionic clothing that is designed to help people like me who have foot drop due to MS or other medical conditions. The device is also a functional electrical stimulator. I sometimes wear a similar device on my left leg to help me lift my foot.

As the story “Neural Sleeve to aid walking with MS makes Time’s best inventions list” details, the device is one of 200 inventions the magazine’s editors consider “groundbreaking, … changing how we live, work, play, and think about what’s possible.”

I’ve recently been offered the opportunity to give the Neural Sleeve a try. Naturally, I plan to write about it in a future “MS Wire” column.

The vitamin D-MS connection

The story “Low vitamin D blood levels tied to poorer cognition, greater disability” reports on a study that sampled the blood of 181 people with MS.

An adequate blood level of vitamin D is defined as 31 nanograms per milliliter or higher. But in this group, the study found that the mean vitamin D level was 24.2 ng/mL. Just over 35% of the patients had a level ranging from 20 to 30 ng/mL, which is considered insufficient. Just over 39% had a level below 20 ng/mL, which is considered deficient.

The researchers report that tests given to these patients on the day of their blood draws showed that “vitamin D is associated with both motor and cognitive disability in MS.” They also noted that “in MS, vitamin D levels are associated with attention/information processing speed … and with working and verbal memory.”

I’ve taken a vitamin D supplement for years, on the advice of my neurologist. Does it help? I don’t know, but it’s not expensive and I doubt it does any harm at the level that I use it.

Note: Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Multiple Sclerosis News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.