MS - Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic nerological disease that is primarily diagnosed in young adults. Multiple Sclerosis is the inflammation and scarring of the myelin sheath, the fatty covering that surrounds and protects nerve fibers. The myelin sheaths insures swift transmission of nerve impulses from brain to muscle. When the myelin layer is damaged the swift transmission between the brain and muscle breaks down. This in turn causes the body's movement to become slow and uncoordinated because impulses from the brain to the muscles begin todeteriorate. Also the legs and arms may feel numb at times because the sensations no longer reach the brain.

The cause of MS is still unknown however there seems to be a connection to the abnormal response of the immune system in which cells that normally protect against illness react against the body's own tissues. It is believed that an exposure to some viruses or infections in childhood might be resposible for this abnormal autoimmune response.

There are two types of MS, relapsing remitting MS and chronic progressive MS.

Relapsing remitting MS is a series of attacks followed by complete or partial remissions. Chronic progressive MS is an initial attack and then a gradual worsening of symptoms with no remission. The symptoms of each are dependent on where in the central nervous system the myelin and nerve fiber are damaged. Usually the first symptoms of MS are blurred or double vision, color distortion or blindness in one eye. Symptoms may also include fatigue, weakness, numbness, muscular spasms, muscle and back pain, difficulties with coordination and balance, loss of bladder or bowel control, and depression. Most people with MS also experience difficulties with concentration, attention, memory, and judgment. There is no cure for MS, however anti-inflammatory corticosteroid drugs help reduce the duration and severity of attacks. Beta interferon drugs help to delay the progression of MS and other medications are used to relieve specific symptoms such as muscle stiffness and spasms, pain, or bowel and bladder incontinence.