multiplesclerosis

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

In brief, what is known about MS is that it is signified by more than one area of inflammation and scarring of the myelin in the brain and spinal cord.
Myelin is the tissue that covers and protects our nerve fibers.
When this occurs, nerve "communication" is disrupted. Thus, a person with MS experiences varying degrees of neurological impairment depending on the location and extent of the scarring. Although there is no known cure for MS at this time, there is much that can be done to make life easier for sufferers.

* MS is not transmitted genetically.

* MS itself is not a hereditary disease, but the hereditary factor may make an individual susceptible to its development.

* MS is more common among women.

* 90% of MS patients diagnosed are between 16 and 60.

* MS is not contagious or fatal.

* There is no known cure for MS.

* The majority of MS persons have a life span expectancy of 50 years after onset, which is primarily due to more effective medications, and better health care knowledge including both western traditional and alternative treatments.

* The most common characteristics of MS include fatigue, weakness, spasticity, balance problems, bladder and bowel problems, numbness, vision loss, tremor and vertigo. Not all symptoms affect all MS patients and symptoms and signs may be persistent or may cease from time to time.

* The majority of people living with MS do not become severely disabled.

* It is estimated approximately 2,500,000 in the world have Multiple Sclerosis.