Multiple sclerosis is a condition affecting the central nervous system. The bodies immune system attacks the outer nerve sheath.This causes scarring in random spots throughout the central nervous system.The effect of this scarring interferes with the transmission of the signals required for normal operation.
The most common symptoms of MS are sensory. These include tingling, peculiar nerve sensations such as a “pins-and-needles” feeling over part of the body (paresthesias), or numbness; clumsiness, weakness of a leg or hand; or visual disturbances. Other weakness of one or more extremities, slight stiffness or unusual fatigability of a limb, spasticity, minor gait disturbances, difficulty with bladder control, incontinence ,vertigo, and mild emotional disturbances; all indicate central nervous system involvement and often occur months or years before the disease is recognized. Excess heat (e.g., warm weather, a hot bath, a fever) may intensify symptoms and signs.
MS is often characterized by attacks (exacerbations). Inflammation occurs in areas of the white matter of the central nervous system in patches called plaques. This process is followed by destruction of myelin, the fatty covering that insulates nerve cell fibers in the brain and spinal cord. Myelin facilitates the smooth, high-speed transmission of electrochemical messages between the brain, the spinal cord, and the rest of the body. If myelin is damaged, neurological transmission of messages may be slowed or blocked, leading to diminished, interrupted, or lost function. There is no cure for multiple sclerosis at this time and persons affected should beware the various scams touting miraculous recovery.
More details about multiple sclerosis in this overview from our information partner Healthology.
