|Multiple sclerosis or MS is a condition that affects the nerves in the brain, spinal cord and other parts of the central nervous system. The cause is thought to be due to an abnormality in the functioning of the immune system but the exact mechanism is still uncertain. It is a chronic, progressive disease, and as yet, there is no cure.
A fatty substance known as myelin surrounds our nerve fibers (axons), and acts as an insulator. Myelin helps these nerve fibers to transmit signals from the central nervous system to other parts of the body. When myelin is damaged, it can become inflamed, and the result is the formation of hardened scar tissue (sclerosis), or it can be ‘removed’ (demyelination).
The body’s own immune cells attack the nervous system, and the spinal cord, brain and optic nerves are all affected – this causes the nerve impulses to slow down. Symptoms of multiple sclerosis vary because different nerves are affected at different times. People suffering from multiple sclerosis may experience episodes of vision loss, weakness in their muscles, numbness and pain.
Sometimes these attacks worsen (exacerbate), improve (remission), recur (relapse) or develop in other areas of the body. Attacks can last days, weeks or months, recurring or showing no symptoms at all. Multiple sclerosis tends to have a slow and insidious onset and can progress silently, without you even being aware that you may have the disease until the damage is quite severe and more obvious symptoms are noted.
Multiple sclerosis affects women more than men, particularly Caucasians. The disease typically begins between the ages 20 and 40, but it may also develop in children and the elderly. People with a family history of MS are more susceptible to developing this disease. MS is also more likely to occur in certain geographical areas such as the United States where over 400,000 people are affected, northern Europe, southern Australia and New Zealand.
People suffering from MS have to deal with many obstacles, as well as the uncertainty of the outcome of the disease. If symptoms are detected early, treatment can slow the progress of this disease. Although multiple sclerosis cannot be cured, there are various treatments that can help to ease the symptoms. There are also many techniques and lifestyle changes to help you manage this disease so that those with MS can lead a full and productive life.