Multiple Sclerosis, is an autoimmune condition wherein the immune system attacks the central nervous system of the body, leading to demyelination. This nervous system disease affects the brain and the spinal cord and damages the myelin sheath - insulating substance that surrounds and protects nerve cells. The transfer of message between the brain and the body slows down or is blocked due to the damage and the symptoms of multiple sclerosis are visible.

Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

Some symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis, which are more common are as follows:

• Fatigue
• Numbness
• Bladder Dysfunction
• Bowel Dysfunction
• Vision Problems
• Dizziness and Vertigo
• Muscle weakness
• Trouble with coordination and balance
• Thinking and memory problems
• Sensations such as numbness, prickling, or "pins and needles"
• Sexual Dysfunction
• Pain
• Cognitive Function
• Emotional Changes
• Depression
• Spasticity

Causes of Multiple Sclerosis

The cause of Multiple Sclerosis is still not known, but scientists believe that a combination of several factors is involved. Ongoing studies in the areas of immunology, epidemiology and genetics are an effort to identify causes of Multiple Sclerosis. The major scientific theories that support different causes of MS, highlight the following aspects as prime causes:

Immunologic: MS involves an autoimmune process - an abnormal response of the body’s immune system that is directed against the myelin in the central nervous system.

Environmental: MS is known to occur more frequently in areas that are farther from the equator. Factors such as variations in geography, demographics, migration patterns etc., are studies to understand the cause.

Infectious: Exposure to several viruses, bacteria and microbes occurs during childhood and as viruses are well proven to cause demyelination & inflammation, it is possible that a particular virus or other infectious agent is the triggering factor in MS.

Genetic: Though multiple sclerosis is not hereditary but having a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) with MS increases one's risk of developing the disease by several-fold.

What Happens

Multiple Sclerosis follows one of four courses:

• Relapsing-remitting: The symptoms may fade away and then reoccur at random. It may continue for years.
• Secondary progressive: This initially follows a relapsing-remitting course and becomes steadily progressive, later.
• Primary progressive: The disease is progressive from the very beginning.
• Progressive relapsing: There is steady deterioration of nerve function as the symptoms appear. Symptoms occur and disappear, but damage of the nerves continues.

People with the disease do not follow one of these patterns exactly. So, it is very hard to predict the course. It varies from person to person and the pattern can change in an individual over time.