Multiple Sclerosis

Question 1

What is MS?

Answer 1

• MS is a chronic (long-lasting) autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells.
• It specifically damages the myelin, a protective coating around nerve fibers in the central nervous system (CNS).
• This loss of myelin (called demyelination) makes it hard for nerve signals to travel quickly and accurately.

Question 2

Who is affected?

Answer 2

• MS is more common in females than in males.
• Many factors, like genetics (over 200 genes) and lack of vitamin D during pregnancy, can increase the risk of MS.

Question 3

What happens in MS?

Answer 3

• Over time, the axon (the long part of the neuron) can become permanently damaged.
• This damage leads to loss of myelin and permanent symptoms, which get worse over time.

Question 4

What is the progression of the disease?

Answer 4

• MS progresses over a long period (around 20 years or more), often leading to permanent disability.
• Symptoms might come and go, meaning there can be times when the disease appears to be gone (this is called remission), but it often returns.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of the disease?

Answer 5

• vision problems
• difficulty walking or keeping balance
• difficulty thinking clearly
• numbness or weakness especially in the arms and legs
• muscle stiffness