Multiple Sclerosis is a Neurologic disorder that affects the Central Nervous System (CNS). The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord. In Multiple Sclerosis, the body’s immune system begins to attack the nerves in the CNS. Nerves are like wires carrying information to and from the brain. Most nerves are covered with a layer called myelin. In Multiple Sclerosis, the immune system attacks the myelin. Most people with Multiple Sclerosis have a normal or near-normal life span.
Multiple Sclerosis often strikes young people who are in their twenties-thirties. It is also more frequent in females with 2:1 ratio.
Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease whose cause or trigger is unknown. The result is Multiple Sclerosis- multiple because many scattered areas of brain and spinal cord are affected, sclerosis because spots or patches of scar tissue formed over the damaged myelin.
Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis very greatly depending upon where the damage to the brain tissue as occurred in the central nervous system. Symptoms may include:
These symptoms may occur in any combination and can vary from very mild to very severe.
Multiple Sclerosis is not always easy to diagnose because early symptoms are so common with other CNS related disorders and there is no single definitive neurological or laboratory test that can confirm or rule out Multiple Sclerosis. However recent advances in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are helping to clarify diagnosis.
Yes, to a degree of stopping the further damage to myelin and reducing the progression of disease. Many medications are available today to help people with Multiple Sclerosis. These work to slow the progress of the disease and reduce the number of attacks and are called disease modifying treatments. Other medications can be helpful in managing some of the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis, such as fatigue, stiffness, pain bladder or bowl problems, or mood difficulties. Other treatments can also help shorten the course of symptoms during an attack.
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