| DISCLAIMER: The content of this site does not represent a qualified medical opinion. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or neurologist for professional medical advice, diagnosis, research or treatment. I am not a doctor, I am a patient with MS. More Info... |
Multiple Sclerosis
Introduction
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, potentially debilitating disease that affects your central nervous system, which is made up of your brain and spinal cord. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is widely believed to be an autoimmune disease, a condition in which your immune system attacks components of your body as if they're foreign.
In Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the body mistakenly directs antibodies and white blood cells against proteins in the myelin sheath, a fatty substance that insulates nerve fibers in your brain and spinal cord. This results in inflammation and injury to the sheath and ultimately to the nerves that it surrounds. The result may be multiple areas of scarring (sclerosis). Eventually, this damage can slow or block the nerve signals that control muscle coordination, strength, sensation and vision.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) affects an estimated 400,000 people in the United States and probably more than 1 million people around the world - including twice as many women as men. Most people experience their first signs or symptoms between ages 20 and 40. Every week about 200 people are diagnosed. Because the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not require U.S. physicians to report new cases, and because symptoms can be completely invisible, the numbers can only be estimated.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is unpredictable and varies in severity. In some people, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a mild illness, but it can lead to permanent disability in others. Treatments can modify the course of the disease and relieve symptoms.
Listed below are all of the Multiple Sclerosis pages currently on this site.
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- Introduction
- Signs and Symptoms
- Causes
- Risk Factors
- When to Seek Medical Advice
- Screening and Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Self Care
- Coping Skills
- Introduction
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