| FACTS ABOUT MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS) Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is believed to be an autoimmune disease (a disease in which the body attacks its own tissue) affecting the Central Nervous System (CNS). The CNS includes the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. In MS, inflammation and scarring of myelin occurs (sclerosis). Myelin is the “coating” that covers and protects the nerve fibers in our CNS. When inflammation or scaring occurs, the nervous system, which is the “control center” for your body, is unable to send messages through your nervous system. It is similar to an electrical wire missing part of its plastic coating and short-circuiting as a result. -
Over 400,000 Americans acknowledge having MS, however, many neurologists believe that nearly one million Americans are living with MS in the U.S. today. -
MS is one of the most common neurological diseases affecting young adults. -
Two to three times as many women have MS than men. -
Over 400 case of MS have been diagnosed in children, some as young as 2 years old. -
The onset of symptoms usually occurs between the ages of 20 and 40 years old, striking down young men and women in the prime of their lives. -
Certain geographical areas (MS Clusters) have higher rates of MS than others. -
Researchers do not know what causes MS, but believe genetics, geographical factors, and various environmental triggers may play a role in developing MS. -
There is no known cure for Multiple Sclerosis. A person with MS may have a wide variety of symptoms depending on how badly their myelin has been affected. Symptoms of MS may include:
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Fatigue -
Loss of coordination, muscle weakness, numbness -
Inability to walk or use hands and arms -
Pain -
Vision problems, slurred speech -
Decline in the ability to think, reason -
Bladder/Bowel Dysfunction
These symptoms can change over time, and even go into remission for periods of time. |
| FOUR CLINICAL COURSES OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS Relapsing/Remitting: In this, the most common form of MS at the time of original diagnosis (85%), patients experience clearly defined “flare-ups” (acute episodes in which neurological functions worsen). This is followed by partial or complete recovery periods called “remissions.” Secondary/Progressive: Seen in approximately 50% of people with relapsing/remitting MS within ten years of the original diagnosis. Patient’s disease course gradually/continually worsens with or without any flare-ups or minor improvements over time. Primary/Progressive: Patients with this type of Multiple Sclerosis (10%) experience a slow but nearly continuous worsening of the disease from the beginning. Relapses or remissions are generally absent. These patients may see periods of no degradation and even small improvements. Progressive/Relapsing: Patients with this type of Multiple Sclerosis (5%) display every worsening symptoms of MS accompanied by flare-ups that may not be followed by any type of recovery period. |
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