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MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease. Symptoms result when inflammation and breakdown occur in myelin, the protective insulation surrounding the nerve fibres of the central nervous system. Myelin is destroyed and replaced by scars of hardened "sclerotic" patches of tissue. This is similar to a loss of insulating material around an electrical wire, which interferes with the transmission of signals. MS can cause serious disabilities in some patients, while other people may have one or two attacks and then remain symptom free for the rest of their lives. The frequency and severity of these attacks cannot be predicted. Different people have different reactions to MS, but most people will experience some of the symptoms listed in the box.

The immune system usually defends the body from attacks by micro-organisms like bacteria and viruses, but with MS, the body launches an abnormal immune response directed against the central nervous system (CNS). The destruction of myelin causes the nerve impulses to be slowed or halted and produces the symptoms of MS. Although the exact antigen that triggers the attack on the myelin is still unknown, it is believed that genetic and viral illnesses have been a factor.

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