MS Patients Who Adhere to Treatment Have Higher Health Costs-And Better Outcomes

CHICAGO, Nov. 27, 2017  -- Researchers examined the insurance claims and medical records of 681 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and found those who adhered to medication schedules had significantly better physical outcomes than patients who did not, although the total overall costs for their care were higher.

The findings, published in the December edition of The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, are considered significant because it is harder to assess treatment results for patients with MS than for those with other chronic illnesses, making it difficult to determine whether the treatment benefits justify their cost.

Researchers noted that the disease has few easily obtainable objective measures, like blood pressure or glucose levels. For patients with MS, disease activity is primarily measured through imaging studies, which can identify new lesions in the event of a relapse. Those studies are expensive and aren't routinely performed or captured in a quantitative fashion.

"Payers often look at near-term improvement to determine whether a treatment is effective and worth the cost," says Carl Hoegerl, DO, a neurologist at the Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine and a co-researcher on this study. "But the case for MS treatment becomes evident when you see that the rate of decline becomes much slower and less severe."

Comparing the experiences of MS patients with high adherence to treatments to those with low adherence, the study found patients with highest adherence reported the disease's physical impact as 14 percent less severe and the psychological impact 17 percent less severe. Patients with high adherence also rated their level of disability 12 percent lower and believed their treatments to be 7 percent more effective.

Dr. Hoegerl said that patients with untreated MS face a sharper decline in their ability to walk and move. They can also experience pain, numbness and tingling in their extremities.

MS is the most common cause of neurologic disability in adults, with about 135 cases per 100,000 Americans. About 12,000 new cases of MS are reported annually. While there is no cure, 12 FDA-approved treatments are currently available for patients with the disease.

"As an osteopathic physician, I'm focused on partnering with patients to achieve their health goals, which for most MS patients involves maintaining their physical functions for as long as possible," said Dr. Hoegerl. "We know that proper treatment of MS improves the quality of patients' lives and extends them to almost the length of the average person."

The study was conducted at Geisinger Health System, an integrated delivery system in central and northeastern Pennsylvania that includes an insurance provider, Geisinger Health Plan. The study included adults whose records included MS diagnostic codes and medication orders for MS therapies.

The two phase study of patients from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2013 included a retrospective analysis of electronic health records and insurance claims plus a prospective analysis of self-reported medication adherence. The health outcomes considered included inpatients admission, emergency room visits, outpatient appointments and health care costs. All-cause versus MS-related costs were calculated separately, with all costs adjusted for inflation to 2013 dollars.

Editor's Note: The authors reported no financial disclosures. This study was supported by an institutional research grant from Biogen.

About The Journal of the American Osteopathic AssociationThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association (JAOA) is the official scientific publication of the American Osteopathic Association. Edited by Robert Orenstein, DO, it is the premier scholarly peer-reviewed publication of the osteopathic medical profession. The JAOA's mission is to advance medicine through the publication of peer-reviewed osteopathic research.

SOURCE American Osteopathic Association press release 

A Mom With MS Finds Nasty Note After Parking In Handicapped Spot

"You need to think twice before judging someone," the Plainfield mom said. " You have no idea what they've been through."

article by Shannon Antinori,  for Patch Media | Nov 15, 2017                                                     

PLAINFIELD, IL — From all outward appearances, Michele Clarke, 39, looks young and healthy. But 16 years ago, the Plainfield mom was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Since then she has had to battle back from flare-ups that have at times left her using a cane or a wheelchair, and even hospitalized for weeks at a time.

"Then there's times when I'm able to go to the gym and build up my strength," she told Patch.

Like many who suffer from "invisible diseases," Clarke said that for many years she was hesitant about using the handicapped placard for fear of being judged.

"It almost gets to the point where I'm afraid to use it," she said, "just because I'm not in a walker or I'm not using a cane ... I may look good on the outside, but on the inside I'm struggling."

Her fears came true on Monday, Clarke said, when she took her 12-year-old daughter to a doctor's office on 127th Street in Plainfield. As she was getting into the car, her daughter handed her a note that had been left on the passenger side windshield.

Clarke said she initially thought she might have been ticketed for forgetting to put her placard in the window, and checked to make sure the placard was there. When she unfolded the piece of paper and began to read, Clarke burst into tears.

"You inconsiderate bitch," a stranger had written. "Parking in a handicap spot when you and your little daughter aren't handicapped. Is the placard for someone else in your family? It certainly isn't for either of the two of you. People who are are truly handicapped need these spots — not you. You are setting a very poor example for your daughter!"

Clarke said her daughter consoled her, telling her it was OK.

"I opened (the note) up and I just had tears rolling down my face after the first nasty words," Clarke said. "I could tell she was hurt for me."

Clarke said she debated about sharing the note on social media, but decided to speak out.

"People do have these invisible diseases, and you get this judgement because you're not using a walker or in a wheelchair," she said. "How do you educate people out there about not judging?"


She said her post was shared on the Facebook pages of two local moms groups, which generated hundreds of comments from others who have experienced similar judgment. Clarke said reading those stories made her feel less alone.

"That was good for me to hear," she said.

Clarke said she wishes the person who left the note would have taken the time to talk to her instead of waiting for her to go inside and leaving an angry message.

"Don't leave a nasty note," she said. "Shame on you for leaving something like that knowing I was with my daughter, who had to see me cry."

Judgement against those with chronic disease — especially for young people who are ill — is so prevalent that the Invisible Disabilities Association is dedicated to combating it. The association defines an invisible disability as "a physical, mental or neurological condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities that is invisible to the onlooker."

"Unfortunately," a statement from the association explains, "the very fact that these symptoms are invisible can lead to misunderstandings, false perceptions and judgments."

Last week in Kentucky, a college student undergoing radiation for a brain tumor told CBS News she came out of school to find her car vandalized. An unkind note similar to the one Clarke got was left on it. The note bore a logo that read, "Not really (handicapped parking symbol) just lazy."

Clarke said she said she hopes the person who left the note sees her story.

"I'm not looking for an apology," she said. "But you need to think twice before judging someone ... You don't know what they have. You have no idea what they've been through — who are we to say, 'They look fine, they shouldn't be parking in a handicapped spot?'"

Image courtesy of Michele Clarke

https://patch.com/illinois/plainfield/mom-ms-finds-nasty-note-after-parking-handicapped-spot

FDA Approves First Drug To Treat Multiple Sclerosis

First drug approved for Primary Progressive MS

On March 28, 2017 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) to treat adult patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) and primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS). This is the first drug approved by the FDA for PPMS. Ocrevus is an intravenous infusion given by a health care professional.

“Multiple sclerosis can have a profound impact on a person’s life,” said Billy Dunn, M.D., director of the Division of Neurology Products in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “This therapy not only provides another treatment option for those with relapsing MS, but for the first time provides an approved therapy for those with primary progressive MS.”

MS is a chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that disrupts communication between the brain and other parts of the body. It is among the most common causes of neurological disability in young adults and occurs more frequently in women than men. For most people with MS, episodes of worsening function (relapses) are initially followed by recovery periods (remissions). Over time, recovery may be incomplete, leading to progressive decline in function and increased disability. Most people experience their first symptoms of MS between the ages of 20 and 40.

PPMS is characterized by steadily worsening function from the onset of symptoms, often without early relapses or remissions. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that approximately 15 percent of patients with MS have PPMS.

The efficacy of Ocrevus for the treatment of relapsing forms of MS was shown in two clinical trials in 1,656 participants treated for 96 weeks. Both studies compared Ocrevus to another MS drug, Rebif (interferon beta-1a). In both studies, the patients receiving Ocrevus had reduced relapse rates and reduced worsening of disability compared to Rebif.

In a study of PPMS in 732 participants treated for at least 120 weeks, those receiving Ocrevus showed a longer time to the worsening of disability compared to placebo.

Ocrevus should not be used in patients with hepatitis B infection or a history of life-threatening infusion-related reactions to Ocrevus. Ocrevus must be dispensed with a patient Medication Guide that describes important information about the drug’s uses and risks. Ocrevus can cause infusion-related reactions, which can be serious. These reactions include, but are not limited to, itchy skin, rash, hives, skin redness, flushing, low blood pressure, fever, tiredness, dizziness, headache, throat irritation, shortness of breath, swelling of the throat, nausea, and fast heartbeat. Additionally, Ocrevus may increase the risk for malignancies, particularly breast cancer. Delay Ocrevus treatment for patients with active infections. Vaccination with live or live attenuated vaccines is not recommended in patients receiving Ocrevus.

In addition to the infusion-related reactions, the most common side effect of Ocrevus seen in the clinical trials for relapsing forms of MS was upper respiratory tract infection. The most common side effects in the study of PPMS were upper respiratory tract infection, skin infection, and lower respiratory tract infection.

The FDA granted this application breakthrough therapy designation, fast track designation, and priority review.

The FDA granted approval of Ocrevus to Genentech, Inc.

The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The Agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.

SOURCE: Press Release March 29, 2017

WALK MS CHICAGO ON MAY 1st, 2016

Thousands to Gather in Lincoln Park for Walk MS, May 1

Chicago's Annual walk raises money towards research and support for those affected by multiple sclerosis

from a Press Release | Feb. 26, 2016
National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Illinois

CHICAGO, February 26, 2016 — The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Illinois Chapter will hold its largest annual fundraising event, Walk MS, on Sunday, May 1, 2016. This year, the Chicago Walk has moved from its previous Grant Park location and will take place at its new site in Lincoln Park, Grove 2, 1746 N. Stockton Dr., Chicago. Walk MS brings people together to celebrate the progress and powerful connections made in the movement to end MS, and raises funds for critical MS research and services.

“Everyone is excited to be there,” says Carol Murphy, whose team, Walk Like a Prescription, has participated in the Chicago Walk since 2013. “It sounds really cheesy, but once you get there, you see all the teams, and you realize we’re all on the same team. We’re all working together on the same solution.”

Thousands of people participate in Walk MS each year to fulfill the Society’s mission of a world free of MS. Last year, more than 12,200 people came out to 13 Walk MS events across Illinois, raising over $2.6 million to fund MS research, programs and services, making it one of the largest fundraisers in the nation.

The Walk will begin at 11 a.m., and participants can choose to walk anywhere from one to three miles. Walk-up registrations will open at 9:30 a.m.

“This is an important day of the year for so many people impacted by MS,” says Greater Illinois Chapter President Holly Messick. “Whether it’s through participating at one of our Walk MS sites, volunteering, fundraising or recruiting a friend or family member to be part of the event, the amazing turnout of thousands of supporters helps those affected by MS live their best lives.”

Walk MS does not have a registration fee, but as a fundraising event, participants are encouraged to raise funds to support the Society’s mission. There will also be 10 additional Walks across the state on May 1, which include: Bloomington, McHenry County (Lake in the Hills), North Shore (TBD), Northwest Suburbs (Hoffman Estates), Rockford, St. Charles, South Suburbs (Orland Park), Southwest Suburbs (Lockport), Springfield and West Suburbs (Naperville).

To learn more, register or make a donation, visit walkMS.org, or contact Meghan Melone at 312-423-1138 or at meghan.melone@nmss.org.

Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. The National MS Society mobilizes people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of more than 20,000 individuals in Illinois and 2.3 million worldwide affected by MS. 

For more information, visit MSIllinois.org.

Ella Straka who has MS and Service Dog Essie, depend on each other

While the Straka family chats around the kitchen table, its 5-year-old German shepherd, Essie, relaxes in her corner doggy bed. Life is good.



Service dog Essie watches Ella Straka, who has multiple sclerosis, as Straka pays bills in her Naperville home. "She's never off-duty," Straka says. (James C. Svehla / Chicago Tribune)

article by Leslie Mann | Chicago Tribune | January 8, 2016

Then, without a sound, Essie stands, her eyes fixed on Ella Straka, 64. Essie is one step ahead of Straka, still seated but about to cross the room to the coffee pot. As her service dog, Essie knows Straka, a retired nurse who has multiple sclerosis, might need help.

"She's never off-duty," said Straka, whose Naperville family also includes her husband, Steve; their five grown children; a border collie named Hermione, and three cats.

Essie's trainer, Jack Giambrone of Elmwood Park-based Barking Angels Service Dog Foundation, said he knew she would be ideal for Straka because "they're both easygoing. And Essie's so nonchalant with other dogs, I thought she'd get along with Hermione."


Essie is one of 78 service dogs Giambrone has trained, after adopting them for his clients (called "handlers") from shelters. "I've worked with dogs all my life, so I know when I meet one if he'll work," he said. "He's friendly but not crazy, makes eye contact and isn't fearful."

Personality trumps breed, said Giambrone, and must match the job. "A very affectionate dog may work for a child with Down syndrome, but constant kissing may annoy an adult with anxiety," he said.

Training Essie was "as much for me as for her," said Straka. Giambrone taught Essie commands while she bonded with Straka.

A service-dog trainer works with the handler throughout the dog's lifetime, adding skills as needed. "One girl needed her dog to learn what to do when they were in driver's ed," said Giambrone. "Then, he had to learn how to help her at college."

No one keeps a national service-dog count, but the number grows as awareness increases, said spokespeople from leading national organizations, Wayland, Mich.-based Paws with a Cause and Santa Rosa, Calif.-based Canine Companions for Independence.

The Americans with Disabilities Act defines "service dog," but trainers issue their certifications and IDs.

Service dogs work one-on-one with their handlers, guiding deaf or blind people, helping those in wheelchairs navigate, predicting seizures or telling diabetic people if they need insulin.

"Working dog" is an umbrella term that includes services dogs, police dogs and dogs who help the community by, for example, finding cadavers, lost people or bombs, or by providing therapy at hospitals or in courtrooms.

By law, a service dog can go wherever the public is allowed. Essie has never been denied access, said Straka.

"The ADA says it's legal to ask, 'Is that a service dog?' or 'What's that dog trained to do?' but you can't ask about the person or her disabilities," Straka said. "It's confusing, so people just don't ask."

Today is a good day for Straka and Essie because they were out of bed by 8 a.m. "Some days, I don't feel that well, so Essie adapts," said Straka, whose symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness and numb hands and feet.

When Straka needs help getting up from a chair, she bear-hugs Essie, who pulls her up and forward. "I saw Jack demonstrate that at an expo and I was sold," Straka recalled. "Before that, I didn't realize how service dogs could help people with MS."

When Straka feels up to it, she and Essie run errands in the "C-A-R," she said. "Because of Hermione, we spell a lot of words."

Straka uses a cane or her battery-operated scooter at stores, while Essie follows. "She figured out how to stay behind me in narrow aisles," said Straka.

Local merchants love Essie, said Straka. "Once, she had to stay home because she had a stomachache, and everyone asked if she was OK," she said.

Once a month, Straka and Essie join Giambrone and some of his other clients at an area mall. "Then, the dogs can get used to elevators, crowds, noise," said Straka.

Essie doesn't mind being stared at by strangers, said Straka, "but some dogs have to learn to tolerate that." While the other dogs feared Santa Claus last year, Essie had her picture taken with him.

Essie's job, said Straka, includes being a service-dog ambassador.

"When you see a service dog, ask if you can pet her," said Giambrone. "Usually, she's working and you shouldn't. But sometimes it's part of her job to be an icebreaker. A mentally disabled child (handler), for example, might not meet people otherwise."

Before the Strakas go out to dinner, Straka calls ahead to request a table. "With a booth, there might not be a place for Essie to sit underneath, so she lays low on the seat next to me," said Straka. "No one knows she's there until we leave."

Twice since joining Straka, Essie has flown with her to Dallas to visit friends. Straka reserves a bulkhead seat so Essie can sit on the floor next to her.

After befriending their Dallas friends' dogs, Essie got a surprise. "They ran out the back door and Essie ran right into their pool," said Straka. "She was in over her head, which she did not like."

Essie's day includes a walk with Hermione and either Steve or Straka's daughter, Anastasia.

When it's bedtime, Straka puts one hand on the stair rail and one on Essie. "She gives me enough stability to get upstairs," said Straka.

If Essie could describe her perfect day, said Straka, "it would be 'shop, nap, walk.'" Or, she might tally her daily shoe count. "The most mischievous thing she does is put our shoes in her bed," said Straka. "Once, she had so many in there, she couldn't lie down."

This year, the Strakas plan to move to a smaller house in Florida. "For me, it'll have no stairs," said Straka. "For Essie, it'll have no backyard ponds with alligators. And no pool."

When Essie can no longer work, she'll become the Strakas' pet and a younger service dog will join the family. Meantime, said Straka, "I depend on her and she depends on me. That's a good feeling."
Leslie Mann is a freelance reporter.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/health/sc-service-dog-life-health-0113-20160113-story.html

Thousands of Illinois residents to take steps toward cure at 'Walk MS' at 11 locations statewide on May 3rd

as shared by The Greater Illinois Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thousands of Illinois residents to take steps toward cure at Walk MS, May 3

Annual walk raises money for research and support of people affected by multiple sclerosis

CHICAGO, March 9, 2015 — The Greater Illinois Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society will hold its annual Walk MS event on Sunday, May 3, 2015, at 11 locations statewide, including Bloomington, Chicago Lakefront, McHenry County (Lake in the Hills), North Shore (Glenview), Northwest Suburbs (Hoffman Estates), Rockford, St. Charles, South Suburbs (Orland Park), Southwest Suburbs (Lockport), Springfield and West Suburbs (Naperville). Walk MS brings people together across the country to celebrate the progress and powerful connections made in the movement to end MS and raises funds for critical MS research, programs and services.

“The reason I’m at such a good place today is because of Walk MS,” said David Alcozer, captain of Team Gizmo at the North Shore site in Glenview. “Being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis was very overwhelming, but by organizing a Walk MS team, I saw how many people I have in my life to support me. It makes things a lot easier.”

Participants will be teaming up to walk 1–6 miles (depending on the site), choosing from one of the fully-accessible route options. Registration and start times vary based on location and can be found at walkMSillinois.org.

“Walk MS is cause for us to come together and celebrate just how far we’ve all come,” said Angela Loftus, participant at the West Suburbs site in Naperville. “Walk MS is about strength and power, and that’s exactly what those affected by MS need. So many people are affected by this disease; it’s not just the people who have been diagnosed with it. To see the excitement and hope of everyone coming together at the walk is an incredible feeling.”

Last year, more than 15,000 people participated in Walk MS throughout Illinois, raising more than $2.7 million.

Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable, often disabling disease that interrupts the flow of information in the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord and optic nerve. The Greater Illinois Chapter mobilizes people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of more than 20,000 individuals in Illinois and 2.3 million worldwide affected by MS.

To find out more or to register or donate online, please contact Meghan Melone at 312-423-1138 or at meghan.melone@nmss.org, or visit walkMSillinois.org.

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March is National Multiple Sclerosis "MS" Awareness Month, Greater Illinois Chapter in 2015

PRESS RELEASE

National MS Society, Greater IL Chapter

March is National Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month

CHICAGO, Feb. 26, 2015 — More than 20,000 Illinoisans live with multiple sclerosis, an unpredictable, often disabling disease that interrupts the flow of information in the central nervous system, but the disease’s impact stretches much further, to family members, friends and loved ones.

Throughout March, which is MS Awareness Month, staff and volunteers at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Illinois Chapter will be pounding the pavement to raise funds and promote MS research, advocacy, programs and services in its mission to create a world free of MS.

Activities taking place throughout the month promoting MS awareness include the following:

• Paint the Town Orange – Chicago residents can expect to see the city in a whole new light as the skyline glows a little more orange than usual. Several buildings throughout the city, including Willis Tower, will light up their towers and place posters and messaging promoting MS research inside their buildings. In addition, Wrigley Field will highlight MS awareness on their famous marquee.

• Dine to End MS – One Off Hospitality Group and Chili’s restaurants will be taking part in a unique restaurant program that raises MS awareness and funds through special promotions. All eight One Off restaurants will be participating, including Avec, Big Star, Blackbird, Dove’s Luncheonette, Publican, Publican Quality Meats, Violet Hour and Nico Osteria. In addition, Chili’s will donate 10 percent of purchases made using a special voucher that can be found on the Greater Illinois Chapter website at MSillinois.org.

• “The MS Project” lottery ticket – The Illinois Lottery will launch its 2015 “MS Project” instant win scratch-off ticket on Monday, March 2. The $5 ticket, now in its eighth year, gives buyers a chance to win $250,000, with all net proceeds helping to fund MS research projects throughout Illinois. Tickets will be available at retailers statewide.

• Blitz Days – Volunteers will be on the move during March, distributing MS Awareness Month materials and orange Tootsie Pops at locations throughout downtown Chicago and its surrounding areas.

• Text to Give – Any individual with an active cell phone who wants to make a difference to help end MS forever can participate in the Greater Illinois Chapter’s Text to Give campaign, with all proceeds going toward MS research. Donations of $10 can be made by texting “AWARE” to 20222 throughout the month.

Additional promotions and fun activities will take place on the Greater Illinois Chapter’s social media pages, www.facebook.com/MSGreaterIL and @MSgreaterIL on Twitter. If you are interested in volunteering with the Greater Illinois Chapter during MS Awareness Month, contact Jocelyn Cheng at 312.423.1139 or jocelyn.cheng@nmss.org.

You can share your story and learn more about multiple sclerosis at MSconnection.org, an online community for making meaningful connections in the movement to end MS. Visitors and members can learn more about MS, upload their own photo and connection to share with others, join or start groups and discussions, find expert MS information and opinions, and download MS awareness tools. Every connection you create moves us closer to a world free of MS and shows your commitment to the MS movement.

Multiple Sclerosis is an unpredictable, often disabling disease that interrupts the flow of information in the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerve. The Greater Illinois Chapter mobilizes people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of more than 20,000 individuals in Illinois and 2.3 million worldwide affected by MS. For more information visit MSillinois.org.

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Chicagoan Mark Somerville Uses Art To Combat His Multiple Sclerosis

nice article published by DNAinfo Chicago; By Howard Ludwig | Feb 16, 2015

Mark Somerville, 55, of Morgan Park believes his pointillism projects have helped him combat the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. His artwork uses tiny dots and is designed to glow under a black light. Somerville's art has been featured at the Judith Racht Gallery in Hambert, Mich. since 2013.

MORGAN PARK (in Chicago) — Mark Somerville takes on a certain glow when talking about his artwork, just like the works themselves.

Somerville's art is best described as pointillism — a technique that uses tiny dots of various colors. When placed under a black light, Somerville's art changes.

The bright orange and neon green dots become deep purple and bright blue under the ultraviolet light. Patterns, perhaps unseen to the naked eye, come to life in the dark.

Somerville, 55, of Morgan Park describes himself as a "reluctant artist." He has no formal training. Rather, he turned to art as a way to combat his symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

Howard Ludwig details Somerville's journey:

This unpredictable disease disables the central nervous system. More than 2.3 million people are affected by M.S. worldwide. Somerville was diagnosed in September 1990.

"I had just gotten back from a family driving vacation, and my feet had fallen asleep. They never woke up," Somerville said.

The symptoms of M.S. often include numbness and tingling in the extremities, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Abnormal fatigue, vision problems and attention or memory issues can also result from the disease. Severe cases lead to blindness and paralysis.

Somerville suffered two major attacks. The first was in January 2005 when his hands and feet went numb. The second attack in July 2005 left him unable to feel hot and cold sensations on the left side of his body.

The attacks eventually sidelined his career as a Cook County auditor. He left the job in 2005, receiving disability benefits.

Somerville said his symptoms improved after he was freed of the stress of the workplace. But he still felt restless. He combated these feelings by drawing, a skill he learned as a teen.

He initially drew mazes. One day in 2010, his daughter suggested simply drawing dots.

"I didn't know anything about pointillism," Somerville said.

He uses thin paper and a light board or tracing table to bring his designs to life. Behind the paper, Somerville places patterns. He then subtly hides these patterns within the art.

Mark Somerville's pointillism projects are designed to be viewed using a black light. The ultraviolet light brings the handmade drawings to life, often revealing patterns. Somerville began drawing with this technique in 2010. He believes the art has helped him combat the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

The patterns come alive beneath the black light — a consequence Somerville stumbled upon when he screwed both a black and red light bulb into his desk lamp. Several of his pens glowed.

"It was a classic light bulb moment," he said.

Somerville was creating these pointillism projects for years before a friend brought them to the attention of the Judith Racht Gallery in Harbert, Mich. The gallery agreed to feature Somerville's drawings in summer 2013, splitting the profits evenly between the artist and the gallery.

Somerville isn't comfortable in the spotlight but eventually allowed the gallery to showcase his work. He's since sold 11 of his pieces for $500 each.

"This evolved as a very private, personal thing," Somerville said.

He added that many nights and weekends he'd retreat to his home to work on his drawings. Few of his friends even knew this was what he was doing with his time.

But he felt the drawings helped to keep his M.S. at bay. One of the few people he shared this revelation with was his friend of 15 years David Ley, a Lakeview-based social worker and therapist.

Ley was researching mandalas, or circular patterns used as spiritual symbols in Hinduism and Buddhism. He saw similarities in Somerville's pointillism and encouraged him to continue producing his drawings as a form of treatment.

Indeed, Arney Rosenblat, a spokeswoman for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, didn't discount the therapeutic effects of Somerville's art.

"M.S. is very different from person to person," Rosenblat said.

She referenced talk show host Montel Williams, who has taken to snowboarding to combat his M.S. There's also a research project underway to see if video games can help those diagnosed with the disease.

Somerville feels his pointillism projects help maintain the flow of information within his brain and between his brain and body. He doesn't present the art form as cure-all, merely as a therapy that's paid dividends for him.

"It would be difficult for me not to draw," he said.

http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20150216/morgan-park/morgan-park-man-uses-art-combat-his-multiple-sclerosis