Multiple sclerosis or MS is a mystery disease that affects the central nervous system. There are different versions of the disease that can cause a variety of symptoms; seemingly without rhyme or reason. Symptoms of MS vary greatly from person to person and from time to time in the same person. Because of its unpredictability, scientists have yet to establish a cause for the disease. In this article, we’ll examine the facts about MS and the available treatment options.

The disease multiple sclerosis attacks myelin, which is the protective covering of the brain and spinal cord, causing inflammation and often damaging the myelin in patches. When this happens, the usual flow of nerve impulses along nerve fibers is interrupted or distorted. The result may be the reason for the wide variety of MS symptoms, depending upon what part or parts of the central nervous system are affected. The damaged parts of myelin are often called “lesions” or “plaques.” There is evidence that permanent damage to nerve fibers may occur in association with the attack on myelin. The severity of MS, progression and specific symptoms cannot be predicted at the time of diagnosis. MS is three times more likely to occur in women than in men, and is seen most commonly in people of northern European background.

The symptoms of multiple sclerosis will vary by patient and improve during times of remission. Multiple sclerosis patients may experience vision disturbances such as double or blurred vision, extreme fatigue, loss of balance and coordination, muscle stiffness, speech problems, bladder and bowel problems, short-term memory loss, and partial or complete paralysis. Many of these symptoms can be controlled or minimized using multiple sclerosis drug therapy.

While there is no cure for multiple sclerosis, there are a number of effective treatment therapies. The combination of medication, therapy and counseling has proven to be extremely beneficial to people suffering from MS. However, MS is not fatal, so with medical treatment and lifestyle changes, patients can expect to live a normal or near normal life span, thanks to continuing MS research and improvements in the treatment of symptoms. Some patients choose to explore alternative methods of treatment, but there is no clinical evidence to support claims that these methods work.

There are four different medications that have been proven to modify the course of the disease and decrease the frequency and severity of MS attacks. They also reduce the number of lesions in the brain. It’s advisable to treat multiple sclerosis early to minimize damage to the nerves. As a patient, work closely with your physician and take an active role in managing your symptoms. This will make living with the disease much easier on you and your family.