Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system: the brain, optic nerve, brainstem, cerebellum, and spinal cord. In multiple sclerosis, the protective covering known as myelin that protects the nerves becomes damaged. The nerve fiber may then become damaged. Damaged myelin and damaged nerves disrupt the smooth flow of nerve impulses within the brain and between the brain, brain stem, spinal cord, and body, causing the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. The areas of inflammation or damage that occur in the central nervous system are known as lesions or plaques.
Approximately 400,000 individuals have multiple sclerosis in the United States and 2.5 million worldwide. Most people are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis between the ages of 15 and 50. Women are more likely than men to develop the relapsing form of multiple sclerosis. Caucasians have a higher incidence of multiple sclerosis than those of African or Hispanic heritage. African Americans may experience more problems with vision and mobility. People living further from the Equator have a higher risk of multiple sclerosis.
The relapsing form of multiple sclerosis is the most common type. Relapses are referred to as exacerbations, attacks, or flares. Relapses occur when inflammation occurs along the nerves disrupting the myelin, causing new symptoms or a worsening or recurrence of symptoms. Treatments are available to reduce the severity and duration of a relapse.
Lesions of multiple sclerosis may be viewed on an MRI scan of the brain or spinal cord. By evaluating the size and location of lesions, areas of inflammation, and myelin or nerve damage, within the nervous system may be measured. Other tests that might be performed include lumbar puncture (looking at the spinal fluid that bathes the brain and spinal column) and evoked potential studies, which measure the speed of the brain’s response to visual, auditory, or sensory stimuli.
Multiple sclerosis symptoms are variable and unpredictable. No two people have exactly the same symptoms, and each person’s symptoms can change or fluctuate over time. One person might experience only one or two of the possible symptoms while another person may experience many more.
Extensive research is being done to better understand the function of the immune system in Multiple Sclerosis, and to look for better treatments.
Risk Factors
- The cause of multiple sclerosis is still unknown. A combination of factors appears to be involved. Scientists currently believe the disease is triggered by an unidentified environmental factor(s) in a person who is genetically predisposed to respond.
Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Numbness and tingling
- Weakness
- Dizziness and vertigo
- Walking and gait difficulties
- Spasticity
- Visual problems
- Bladder problems
- Bowel problems
- Cognitive changes
- Depression
- Sexual problems
- Pain
- Emotional changes
- Speech problems
- Tremor
- Swallowing problems
- Seizures
- Itching
- Hearing loss
Treatment
- Multiple disease modifying treatments (currently 17) are available to treat individuals with relapsing forms of MS as well as Primary Progressive and Secondary Progressive MS.
- Disease-modifying therapies have been shown to reduce the number and severity of flares or exacerbations, delay disease progression, reduce the number of active lesions, and decrease disability progression
- Treatments are being explored for neuroprotection (protecting the nerves) and remyelination (regenerating the protective nerve covering). However, these treatments do not currently exist.
Resources
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS)
- NCF has been designated a “Partner in MS Care” by the NMSS.
- Multiple Sclerosis Association of America
- Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers
- MS Foundation
- Neurologic Disease Foundation