What is MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) which includes the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. Categorized as an inflammatory demyelinating condition it is caused by damage to myelin – a fatty material that insulates nerves. Nerve fibres are coated in a protective insulating covering called the myelin sheath—this serves in a very similar function to the coating around electrical wires. Myelin is important in speeding electrical conduction along nerve fibres and in insulating nerve fibres from one another.
In MS, the loss of myelin affects the way nerves operates while sending messages to and from the brain. Common symptoms include:
• Fatigue
• Numbness and Tingling
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Pain
• Walking difficulties
• Cognitive changes
• Vertigo
• Vision problems
