Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Please remember, we are not medical professionals and cannot provide medical advice. It is essential to seek the opinion of a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your medication or treatment. This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, often progressive disease in which the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibres in the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves.1 This damage to myelin disrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body.2 The term "multiple sclerosis" literally means "many scars", referring to the multiple areas of damage that occur in the central nervous system.

Here's a breakdown of key aspects of MS:

  • Autoimmune Disease: MS is classified as an autoimmune disorder, meaning the body's own immune system mistakenly identifies myelin as a foreign substance and attacks it.
  • Central Nervous System: MS specifically affects the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves.
  • Demyelination: The primary process in MS is demyelination, the destruction of the myelin sheath. This damage can slow down or block the transmission of nerve signals.
  • Sclerosis/Plaques/Lesions: As myelin is destroyed, it can lead to the formation of hardened scar tissue, also known as sclerosis or plaques (sometimes called lesions). These areas of damage are visible on MRI scans and contribute to the various symptoms of MS.
  • Unpredictable and Variable: MS is a highly variable disease. The symptoms, severity, and progression differ significantly from person to person. Some individuals may have mild, intermittent symptoms, while others experience more severe and progressive disability.
  • No Known Cause: The exact cause of MS is unknown, but it's believed to involve a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Research suggests that factors like viral infections (such as Epstein-Barr virus), low vitamin D levels, smoking, and geographical location (further from the equator) may play a role in increasing the risk of developing MS.
  • No Cure, but Treatable: Currently, there is no cure for MS. However, various treatments are available to help manage symptoms, reduce the frequency and severity of relapses (in relapsing forms of MS), slow disease progression, and improve the quality of life for people living with MS.

Common Symptoms of MS:

The symptoms of MS are diverse and depend on the location and extent of nerve damage.15 They can include:

  • Vision problems: Blurred vision, double vision (diplopia), and optic neuritis (eye pain with vision loss).
  • Numbness or tingling: Often in the face, arms, legs, or fingers and toes.
  • Muscle weakness: In the arms and legs.
  • Balance and coordination problems: Difficulty walking, unsteadiness, and dizziness (vertigo).
  • Fatigue: Overwhelming tiredness that is not relieved by rest.
  • Spasticity: Muscle stiffness and spasms.
  • Bladder and bowel dysfunction: Incontinence, frequent urination, constipation.
  • Cognitive difficulties: Problems with memory, attention, and processing information.
  • Mood changes: Depression and anxiety are common.
  • Pain: Can be due to nerve damage or muscle stiffness.
  • Speech and swallowing problems: Slurred speech (dysarthria) and difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).

Types of MS:

MS is typically categorised into different disease courses:

  • Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS): The most common form, characterised by periods of new or worsening symptoms (relapses) followed by periods of partial or complete recovery (remissions).
  • Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS): Often develops after RRMS, where the disease progresses more steadily with or without occasional relapses and remissions.
  • Primary Progressive MS (PPMS): A less common form where the disease gradually worsens from the onset, without distinct relapses or remissions.
  • Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS): A single episode of neurological symptoms suggestive of MS. Not everyone with CIS will go on to develop MS.

Living with MS can be challenging, but with appropriate medical care, support, and coping strategies, many individuals can lead active and fulfilling lives.