What is Multiple Sclerosis?

MS is thought to be an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS consists of the brain, spinal cord, and the optic nerves. Surrounding and protecting the nerve fibers of the CNS is a fatty tissue called myelin, which helps nerve fibers conduct electrical impulses.

In MS, myelin is lost in multiple areas, leaving scar tissue called sclerosis. These damaged areas are also known as plaques or lesions. Sometimes the nerve fiber itself is damaged or broken.

Myelin not only protects nerve fibers, but makes their job possible. When myelin or the nerve fiber is destroyed or damaged, the ability of the nerves to conduct electrical impulses to and from the brain is disrupted, and this produces the various symptoms of MS.

Some facts:

• MS is a chronic, unpredictable neurological disease that affects the central nervous system.


• MS is not contagious and is not directly inherited.


• MS is not considered a fatal disease.


• The majority of people with MS do not become severely disabled.


• There is no cure for MS yet, but drugs can help slow the course and/or symptoms in some patients.


• Approximately 400,000 Americans acknowledge having MS, and every week about 200 people are diagnosed. Worldwide, MS may affect 2.5 million individuals.

Who gets MS?

• Anyone may develop MS, but there are some patterns.


• Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50.


• Two-three times as many women as men have MS.


• Studies indicate that genetic factors make certain individuals more susceptible than others, but there is no evidence that MS is directly inherited.


• MS occurs more commonly among people with northern European ancestry, but people of African, Asian, and Hispanic backgrounds are not immune.


• Approximately 400,000 Americans acknowledge having MS, and every week about 200 people are diagnosed. Worldwide, MS may affect 2.5 million individuals.

Symptoms include:

• Bladder Dysfunction


• Bowel Dysfunction


• Changes in Cognitive Function, including problems with memory, attention, and problem-solving


• Dizziness and Vertigo


• Emotional Problems and/or Depression


• Fatigue (also called MS lassitude)


• Difficulty in Walking and/or Balance Problems


• Abnormal sensations such as Numbness or ?pins and needles?


• Pain


• Sexual Dysfunction


• Vision Problems

Less Common Symptoms

• Headache


• Hearing Loss


• Itching


• Seizures


• Spasticity


• Speech and Swallowing Disorders


• Dysphagia (Swallowing Problems)


• Tremor