Multiple Sclerosis- what is it?

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous
system (CNS) where the body”s own immune cells attack the nervous
system. In Multiple Sclerosis, inflammation of nervous tissue causes the
loss of myelin, a fatty material that acts as a sort of protective insulation for
the nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. This demyelination leaves
multiple areas of scar tissue (sclerosis) along the covering of the nerve
cells, which disrupts the ability of the nerves to conduct electrical impulses
to and from the brain, producing the various symptoms of multiple
Sclerosis.
Multiple Sclerosis-Causes, symptoms, and risk factors
The cause of multiple Sclerosis is unknown. Geographic studies indicate
there may be an environmental factor involved. Multiple Sclerosis is more
likely to occur in northern Europe, the northern United States, southern
Australia, and New Zealand than in other areas.
Symptoms of multiple Sclerosis vary because the location and extent of
each attack varies. There is usually a stepwise progression of the disorder,
with episodes that last days, weeks, or months alternating with times of
reduced or no symptoms (remission). Recurrence (relapse) is common
although non-stop progression without periods of remission may also
occur.
The exact cause of the inflammation associated with multiple Sclerosis is
unknown. An increase in the number of immune cells in the body of a
person with multiple Sclerosis indicates that there may be a type of immune
response that triggers the disorder. The most frequent theories about the
cause of multiple sclerosis include a virus-type organism, an abnormality of
the genes responsible for control of the immune system, or a combination
of both factors.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects approximately 1 out of 1,000 people. More
women are affected than men are. The disorder most commonly begins
between ages 20 and 40, but can strike at any age. Risks include a family
history of multiple Sclerosis and living in a geographical area with a higher
incidence rate for multiple Sclerosis.