Multiple sclerosis (MS) is described as an unpredictable and often disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information between the brain and the body. When cells are damaged or destroyed causing impulses to the brain to be less effective, people suffering from MS often experience the following:
- Poor muscle coordination
- Impaired cognition
- Issues with balance & walking
- Changes with vision
- Numbness & tingling
- Slurred speech
- Bladder & bowel problems
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and damages the “myelin sheath” protecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It is this damage that causes messages to and from the brain to be debilitated, causing numerous physical and mental symptoms and may lead to cognitive disability. The disease first occurs in young adults and, more frequently, in women.
Relapsing Remitting MS (RRMS)
People with RRMS suffer periods of acute attacks with worsening of symptoms, followed by a complete or partial recovery (remission). Approximately 85% of people diagnosed with MS are diagnosed with RRMS.
Primary Progressive MS (PPMS)
People with PPMS suffer a gradual accumulation of disability from the beginning, with no distinct periods of relapse and remission.
Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS)
Following an initial period of Relapsing Remitting MS, many people develop secondary progressive MS. This is a gradual disability, either with or without relapses.
In this relatively rare course of MS (only five percent of incidence) people experience worsening symptoms from the beginning and additional clear attacks which worsen neurologic function along the way.