Multiple Sclerosis

About Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a nervous system disease that affects your brain and spinal cord. It damages nerve cells, slowing down or blocking messages between your brain and your body. Symptoms can include visual disturbances; muscle weakness; trouble with coordination and balance; sensations such as numbness, prickling, or “pins and needles;” or thinking and memory problems.

No one knows what causes MS. It may be an autoimmune disease, which happens when your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body by mistake. Multiple sclerosis affects women more than men. It often begins between the ages of 20 and 40. Usually, the disease is mild, but some people lose the ability to write, speak, or walk.

There is no cure for MS, but physical and occupational therapy may help. Medications may also slow it down and help control symptoms..

Source:  Medlineplus.gov