Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. MS can cause a variety of symptoms, including changes in sensation, visual problems, muscle weakness, depression, and difficulties with coordination and speech. Although many patients lead full and rewarding lives, MS can cause impaired mobility and disability in the more severe cases.

Multiple sclerosis affects neurons, the cells of the brain and spinal cord that carry information, create thought and perception and allow the brain to control the body. Surrounding and protecting these neurons is a fatty layer known as the myelin sheath, which helps neurons carry electrical signals. MS causes gradual destruction of myelin (demyelination) and transection of neuron axons in patches throughout the brain and spinal cord, causing various symptoms depending upon which signals are interrupted. The name multiple sclerosis refers to the multiple scars (or scleroses) on the myelin sheaths. It is thought that MS results from attacks by an individual's immune system on the nervous system and is therefore categorized as an autoimmune disease.

What are the signs & symptoms?

• Blurred vision, eye pain, loss of colour vision, blindness, double vision, lack of eye coordination & abnormal pupil responses
• muscle weakness with partial to total paralysis, muscle wasting, involuntary contractions, twitching, jerky movements & foot dragging when walking
• numbness, buzzing or tingling in extremeties, loss of sensation & facial pain
• loss of coordination, uncontrolled motions, problems speaking and trouble with balance
• sexual and bowel disfunctions
• memory problems
• sensitivity to heat, swallowing and breathing problems, acid reflux and trouble sleeping

How is it diagnosed?

It is important to rule out other illnesses, as symptoms may be caused by undetected underlying medical conditions. A medical history should be taken and a physical examination and laboratory tests should be done to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms before concluding that a person has Multiple Sclerosis .

How is it treated?

It can be treated with a wide variety of drugs, counseling and dietary changes depending on your predominant symptoms.