Multiple Sclerosis, or MS, is a devistating autoimmune disease. Find out what the symptoms are, and what therapies and treaments are available.
Multiple sclerosis, also known as MS, is probably the most common disease known that affects the central nervous system. The disease can appear in men or women, though women seem to have the disease about twice as often as men, but is usually found in young adults (16-40 years old) who should be enjoying the prime time of their lives.
The nerves in the central nervous system are covered and kept protected by what is called the myelin sheath. MS causes lesions on this sheath and this damage causes the nerves to function improperly. Eventually, scar tissue can build up at the site of the lesions and this causes permanent damage. These lesions can appear anywhere in the central nervous system, and can in turn cause a wide variety of problems.
Some of the symptoms associated with this disease include:
- problems with bladder and bowel control
- memory problems
- troubles with vision, or blindness
- fatigue
- hearing troubles
- troubles with balance
- muscle weakness
- high sensitivity to pain
- numbness or tingling in the extremities
- decreased perception
Living with this disease can be difficult, but new studies are promising hope to sufferers. Little things like changes in diet and beginning to take vitamin supplements can do wonders for the body's ability to heal itself. Many drug therapies are also available that will help alleviate many of the symptoms associated with MS, and alternatives are also being discovered such as magnetic therapy. With new therapies being found every day, it is only a matter of time before something is found to prevent the suffering of so many.
