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Multiple sclerosis, abbreviated MS, is a debilitating sickness that attacks a person's central nervous system. The central nervous system consists of the optic nerves, the spinal cord and the brain. Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms range from minor to extreme. Common symptoms include numbness, loss of sight, fatigue, pain, seizures, and having difficulty speaking. Everything about MS is often unpredictable and can be different depending on the person. Fortunately new therapies and steadily advancing science has made the future brighter for thousands people that suffer from MS.

MS is typically considered a autoimmune disease, and happens when the body starts to destroy myelin from around the body's axons. Myelin is the fatty material that encases the nerve fibers in the central nervous system. The nerves are damaged, and start to form scars. This scar tissue is named sclerosis, which is where the disease got its name. The symptoms of the disease are caused by the injured nerves dispatching incorrect signals to the brain.

There are 4 ways the disease can progress, each varies in its severity. The first is relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. This causes the individual to experience defined attacks, called relapses. Eight-five percent of patients suffering from the disease are initially diagnosed with this type. The 2nd way the multiple sclerosis develops is called primary progressive MS. This type displays a gradual worsening of function from the beginning of onset. About 10% of people with the illness possess this sort of progression. The third type is secondary progressive MS, which, after a time of relapsing remitting MS, the patient's condition begins to decline steadily. The final type of MS is progressive relapsing MS, which is the most uncommon type of MS and barely accounts for five percent of all people suffering from multiple sclerosis. These sufferers have a steady worsening from the beginning of the disease.

It has still not been discovered what causes multiple sclerosis, but scientists think that it's a combination of factors. It's generally acknowledged that the disease is comprised of an autoimmune development, which is an incorrect response of the immune system that targets the myelin. The disease is also seen to happen more often in areas that are not near the equator. Researchers think this may be involved with genetics, migration patterns or infectious diseases. It's also known that multiple sclerosis occurs more frequently in people that have a first degree relative with the disorder.

There are currently several multiple sclerosis treatments available, many of which have been shown to be very effective. Some improve the ability of the patient, some change the course the disease takes and some treat flare-ups. A number of drugs exist that change the course of the disease. Rehabilitation is a very effective means of treat flare-ups. Physical and occupational therapy are good choices. Therapy is also available for patients with problems with speech and swallowing. Cognitive and vocational therapy is also available.