Hepatitis A

Multiple Sclerosis or MS is a condition of the brain that causes damage to myelin which then causes the disruption of messages in the brain. Myelin is a substance that surrounds every nerve fiber in the central nervous system. It helps the messages from the brain to travel quickly and smoothly to the rest of the body.

MS is one of the most common neurological conditions affecting young people. There are four main types of multiple sclerosis; benign MS, relapsing remitting MS, secondary progressive MS and primary progressive MS.

Causes of Multiple Sclerosis

MS is an autoimmune condition. This means that your body’s own immune system mistakes the myelin for a foreign body and attacks it. This is known as demyelination. The myelin becomes damaged and develops scars called lesions and plaques.

Demyelination disrupts the messages traveling along nerve fibers, slowing them down, sending them down a different nerve fiber or stopping them from getting through at all. Over time the myelin is broken down and the nerves become damaged. It is this nerve damage that causes the progressive forms of MS.

Genetic factors and environmental factors are thought to be the possible causes of MS.

Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

There is a wide range of MS symptoms. It is hard to find anyone who has all the possible symptoms since they can occur in any part of the body. They include:

• Muscle spasms,
• Neuropathic pain,
• Visual problems,
• Mobility problems,
• Cognitive problems,
• Emotional problems,
• Fatigue and tiredness,
• Bladder and bowel problems, and
• Muscle wasting

Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis

There is no cure for MS. However, many treatments are available to relieve the symptoms and any relapses. They may also help to slow the progression of the condition.

Most people with MS will need specialist treatment which may include specialist nurses, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, physiotherapists and social workers. You may need one or more of the specialists and you will also be taught how to live with your condition.

Everyone with MS should have access to health care professionals trained at dealing with MS.

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