What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common neurological disorder diagnosed in young adults. Its causes are not yet fully understood and researchers continue to search for answers. Although the disease may not be cured or prevented at this time, treatments are available to reduce severity and delay progression.
MS is not contagious and does not shorten the life expectancy of those who are diagnosed with the disease. The most dangerous complication relating to MS is usually infection, which may occur when someone has had MS for a long time and is not as strong or physically active as an individual without the disease. Infection may often be successfully treated if recognized early.
MS is a disease of the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord. This disorder damages the protective insulation (known as "myelin") surrounding the nerves (known as "axons"), and may also damage the nerves as well within the CNS. As a result, messages from the brain and spinal cord may short circuit, causing reduced or lost bodily function.
The effects of MS differ with each individual. Some people experience symptoms for a short period of time and afterward may remain symptom-free for years, while others may experience a more steady progression of the disease.
Most researchers believe MS is an "autoimmune disease" -- one in which white blood cells, meant to fight infection or disease, are misguided to target and attack the body's own cells. This attack causes inflammation in the CNS, which may damage the myelin and ultimately injure the nerves.
Areas of inflammation are known as "active lesions." Areas of thick scar tissue, known as "plaques," form along the damaged myelin. The changes in size, number, and location of the lesions and plaques may determine the type and severity of symptoms. The term "multiple sclerosis" originates from the discovery of the plaques. Multiple refers to many; sclerosis refers to scars.
Researchers have studied a variety of possible causes for MS. The most popular theory at this time involves a commonly known slow-acting virus (one that could remain dormant for many years) such as measles, herpes, human T-cell lymphoma, and Epstein-Barr. After being exposed to one of these viruses, some researchers theorize that MS may develop in genetically susceptible people, and genetic research is ongoing. Some scientists are also looking for a connection between MS and nutritional factors, including deficiencies in vitamin D and fish oil.
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