1 The National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Available at: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/What%20is%20MS.asp
Accessed March 14, 2005
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Multiple Sclerosis (or MS) is a chronic, neurological disease of the Central Nervous System (CNS). The CNS consists of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves.
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Myelin is a fatty tissue that surrounds and protects the nerve fibers and helps conduct electrical impulses in the CNS.
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When myelin is lost in multiple areas it leaves scar tissue called ‘sclerosis’ (which is also referred to as plaques or lesions).
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MS interferes with the ability of the nerves to conduct electrical impulses to and from the brain.
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Besides myelin, MS can also damage nerve cells (neurons) and axons (extensions of nerve cells that transmit electrical impulses).
Types of MS 1
1 The National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Available at: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/What%20is%20MS.asp
Accessed March 14, 2005
Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS)
The most common form of MS (approximately 85% of all cases)
Categorized by clearly defined flare-ups (also referred to as ‘relapses’, ‘exacerbations’ or ‘attacks’) followed by periods of partial or complete recovery (remission).
Secondary-Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (SPMS)
People with SPMS experience an initial period of relapsing-remitting MS
Categorized by a steady worsening of disease with or without occasional flare-ups, minor recoveries (remissions), or plateaus.
Before the current treatments became available, about 50% of people with RRMS developed SPMS within 10 years of their initial diagnosis. Long-term data are not yet available to show if this is significantly delayed by treatment.
Primary-Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS)
A less common form of MS (approximately 10% of all cases).
Categorized by a slow but continuous worsening of disease from onset with no distinct relapses or remissions.
Rates of progression, plateaus, and temporary minor improvements vary among patients.
Progressive-Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis
Relatively rare form of MS – Approximately 5%
People with this type of MS experience a steady worsening of disease from onset but also have clear acute relapses, with or without recovery.
In contrast to RRMS, the periods between relapses are characterized by continuing disease progression.
MS Statistics 2
2 The National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Available at: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Who%20gets%20MS.asp
Accessed March 14, 2005
> Approximately 400,000 Americans are believed to have MS.
> Worldwide, MS may affect as many as 2.5 million individuals.
> Every week about 200 new people are diagnosed in the United States.
> MS is 2 to 3 times more likely to occur in women.
> MS generally strikes between the ages of 20 and 50.
MS Symptoms 3
3 The National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Available at:
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Sourcebook-Symptoms.asp
Accessed March 14, 2005
The symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) vary greatly from one person to the next. Just because one person has a specific symptom DOES NOT mean that you will develop this symptom. MS is an unpredictable disease. Your own doctor cannot tell you EXACTLY how it may progress in your body. So, don’t waste your energy worrying about what the future has in store for you. STAY IN THE PRESENT MOMENT and LIVE LIFE FULLY… NOW!
Note: The symptoms of MS can be similar to many other medical conditions. ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN before drawing any conclusions about your health status.
Most Common Symptoms |
Less Common Symptoms |
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Numbness or “pins and needles” feeling (sensory symptoms) |
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Speech and swallowing problems |
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Difficulty walking |
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Coordination Problems |
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Fatigue |
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Tremor |
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Visual Problems (Optic Neuritis) |
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Impaired hearing |
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Change in Cognitive function, including problems with memory, attention, and problem-solving. |
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Bowel and bladder problems |
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Changes in sexual function |
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Depression |
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Pain |
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The above symptoms are considered primary symptoms since they are a direct result of the destruction of myelin (called “demyelination”).
However, there can be secondary & tertiary symptoms as well. The secondary symptoms can occur as indirect results of the primary symptoms (e.g., inactivity can result in loss of muscle tone and weakness that is not related to the demyelination). Tertiary symptoms are the social, vocational and emotional complications that can arise from the diagnosis of a chronic health condition.
For further details on the symptoms related to Multiple Sclerosis, you can visit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s website at: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/symptoms.asp
Possible Causes of MS 4
4 The National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Available at:
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/What%20causes%20MS.asp
Accessed March 14, 2005
