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personal - multiple sclerosis - what is MS?

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic progressive nervous disorder involving loss of myelin sheath (demyelination) around certain nerve fibers of the brain and spinal cord. Without myelin, signals transmitted throughout the central nervous system are not sent properly and symptoms develop.

picture of nerve cell

Nerve fibers are damaged as well. The name multiple sclerosis refers to the multiple scars (or scleroses) on the myelin sheaths. It is thought that MS results from attacks by an individual's immune system on the nervous system and is therefore categorized as an autoimmune disease.

Multiple sclerosis may take several different forms, with new symptoms occurring in discrete attacks or slowly accruing over time. Between attacks, symptoms may resolve completely, but permanent neurological problems often persist.

Although much is known about how MS causes damage, its exact cause remains unknown. MS currently does not have a cure, though several treatments are available which may slow the appearance of new symptoms. MS primarily affects adults, with an age of onset typically between 20 and 40 years, and is more common in women than in men.

picture of nerve cell

Symptoms vary from one person to another but commonly include the following:

Fatigue (also called MS lassitude to differentiate it from tiredness resulting from other causes)
Problems with walking
Bowel and/or bladder disturbances
Visual problems
Changes in cognitive function, including problems with memory, attention, and problem-solving
Abnormal sensations such as numbness or "pins and needles"
Changes in sexual function
Pain
Depression and/or mood swings

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Assess risk personal - multiple sclerosis - what is MS?

Assess risk
personal - multiple sclerosis - what is MS?