What Is Multiple Sclerosis?

As we continue on with this course we come across new information and information we have heard of before, but haven't learned much about.  That was the case when I read about Multiple Sclerosis or MS, as it is commonly abbreviated.  People hear MS and automatically think of paralysis and wheelchairs, however that is not the case for most people who are diagnosed with MS.

So let's begin, what is MS?  MS is a disease that attacks the Central Nervous System (CNS), which includes the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves.  The immune system attacks the myelin sheaths that cover the axons and they damage the nerves inside.  The immune cells enter the brain and purposely attack the myelin, which in turn causes the nerve signals to be interrupted and causes sclerosis, which is scar tissue that has formed.  The attack of the immune cells on the brain, spinal cord or optic nerves, causes inflammation.  In this video, a simpler explanation of MS can be watched.  

An MRI can be done in order to see if there are any lesions in the brain that may be causing the MS.  In Courtney's story, two lesions were found in her brain that had abnormal tissue that were the cause of Courtney's MS symptoms.  When the nerve signals aren't able to move to the next axon, they cause symptoms that may or not be temporary.  The symptoms are: numbness, tingling, paralysis, muscle spasms, loss of balance, blindness and other problems.  Since the myelin sheaths can be destroyed in the brain, spinal cord or optic nerves, there are different symptoms that each person with MS experiences.    

What causes this autoimmune disease?  Doctors aren't sure, but they speculate that it may be genetic, environmental, due to infection, viruses or even the consumption of too much salt.

Like I said before, paralysis does not occur for every person who has MS.  Most of the people who suffer from MS, have Relapsing-Remmitting MS.  This type of MS, is the least aggressive and is pretty manageable with exercise, a healthy diet and plenty of rest.  Remission occurs shortly after the attacks and the person with MS can function normally, for the most part.  However, all types of MS (there are 4) can worsen as time goes by, and can lead to paralysis, blindness and the other symptoms stated above, according to where the myelin sheaths have been attacked.  

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for Multiple Sclerosis since there isn't a way to repair the myelin sheaths that have been disrupted by the immune system cells.  Diet, exercise, plenty of rest and medication can be used to control the inflammation caused by the immune cells.  For more information on MS symptoms, causes, types and treatments, click here!