Multiple Sclerosis: introduction

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and disabling disease that usually starts in young adulthood. It results from damage to nerve cells in the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord), although the causes are not fully understood.

MS usually causes alternating episodes of disability and recovery, but in many cases this progresses to permanent disability. MS sufferers may experience fatigue, muscle weakness, difficulties walking, numbness or tingling and problems with bladder control including urinary incontinence. Life expectancy may be reduced.

There is no curative treatment available but some drugs (such as beta-interferon or glatiramer acetate) may modify the course of the disease.

The causes of MS are not fully understood, though infectious and genetic causes have been suggested. MS is generally more common in countries in the Northern hemisphere.