Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (often abbreviated to MS) is a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). In MS, the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibers and causes communication problems between your brain and the rest of your body. Eventually, the disease can cause permanent damage or deterioration of the nerves.

Signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms of MS vary widely and depend on the amount of nerve damage and which nerves are affected. Some people with severe MS may lose the ability to walk independently or at all, while others may experience long periods of remission without any new symptoms. There's no cure for multiple sclerosis. However, treatments can help speed recovery from attacks, modify the course of the disease and manage symptoms.

Causes

The cause of MS is unknown. It's considered an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues. In the case of MS, this immune system malfunction destroys the fatty substance that coats and protects nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord (myelin).

Diagnosis

MS can be hard to diagnose because symptoms often come and go — sometimes disappearing for months. A neurologist — a doctor who specializes in treating the disease — uses a few different tools to diagnose MS.

Treatment

There's no cure for multiple sclerosis. However, treatments can help speed recovery from attacks, modify the course of the disease and manage symptoms.

See also

• Autoimmune diseases
• Neurology
• Immunology

External links

• National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Multiple Sclerosis Resources
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