MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS BY EMILY HOWARD

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Multiple sclerosis (or MS) is a chronic, often disabling disease of the immune system that attacks the central nervous system (CNS), which is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. The disease is thought to be triggered in a genetically susceptible individual by a combination of one or more environmental factors.

MS MS is caused by damage to the myelin sheath, the protective covering that surrounds nerve cells. When this nerve covering is damaged, nerve signals slow down or stop.

Sign & Symptoms People with multiple sclerosis (MS) tend to have their first symptoms between the ages of 20 and 40. Usually the symptoms get better, but then come back. Some may come and go, while others linger. The unpredictable course of MS can make it hard to get a diagnosis quickly. Keep track of your symptoms to help your doctor know whether MS or another condition is to blame.

Signs & Symptoms Early Symptoms of MS Blurred or double vision Thinking problems Clumsiness or a lack of coordination Loss of balance Numbness Tingling Weakness in an arm or leg.

Signs & Symptoms Common Symptoms of MS Abnormal sensations Thinking problems Tremors Speech problems Bladder problems Difficulty walking Dizziness Fatigue Muscle spasms Sexual difficulties

Symptom Classifications of MS Doctors divide the symptoms into three groups: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary symptoms come from damage to the protective sheath around the nerves in your spine or brain. The damage is called demyelination. It causes scarring, which makes it harder for signals to travel between the brain and the body.This process can lead to bladder or bowel problems, loss of balance, numbness, paralysis, tingling, tremors, vision problems, or weakness.Medicine, physical therapy, and other treatments can keep many of these problems under control.

Symptom Classification of MS Secondary symptoms follow the main problems of MS. For instance, not being able to empty your bladder can lead to a bladder infection. Doctors can treat secondary symptoms, but the goal is to avoid them by treating the primary symptoms. Tertiary symptoms are the social, psychological, and job-related problems of coping with MS. For instance, if MS makes it hard for you to walk or drive, you may not be able to do your job well. Because MS varies so much, it's best not to compare yourself with other people who have MS. Your experience is likely to be different. Most people learn to manage their symptoms and can keep leading full, active lives.

Causes While the cause (etiology) of MS is still not known, scientists believe that a combination of several factors may be involved. Studies are ongoing in the areas of immunology (the science of the body’s immune system), epidemiology (that looks at patterns of disease in the population), and genetics in an effort to answer this important question. Understanding what causes MS will be an important step toward finding more effective ways to treat it and—ultimately—cure it, or even prevent it from occurring in the first place.

Treatment & Care Medications can help ease MS attacks and possibly slow the disease. Physical therapy and other treatments help control symptoms -- and improve your quality of life. Although there is still no cure for MS, effective strategies are available to modify the disease course, treat exacerbations (also called attacks, relapses, or flare-ups) manage symptoms improve function and safety, and provide emotional support. In combination, these treatments enhance the quality of life for people living with MS.