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Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease in which the immune system attacks the protective sheath around the nerves of the central nervous system. Irreversible, progressive damage to the nerves can result. MS is a life-long, potentially disabling condition.
The frequency and severity of these attacks are unpredictable. Many MS patients continue to live active, productive lives. For others, however, the disease becomes progressively more severe, causing serious disability.
There is no cure for MS at this time. However, treatment can lessen the effects of attacks, symptoms can be managed and disease progression can be slowed.
Causes
The ultimate cause of multiple sclerosis is not known. Researchers believe it is an autoimmune disease: the body's own immune system attacks the myelin of the CNS (central nervous system: the brain and spinal cord).
Myelin is the protective sheath that covers and insulates the nerves and aids the transmission of electrochemical messages between the CNS and the rest of the body. The attack by the immune system causes plaques or lesions in the myelin, which slows, blocks or distorts the messages sent along the nerves.
Because of complex interacting factors, the disease most often affects young white women in temperate parts of the globe.
These factors may include:
- Age: MS most commonly affects people between 20 and 40.
- Gender: Women have twice the risk of men.
- Infections: Certain viral infections are associated with MS.
- Genetics: If someone in your close family has multiple sclerosis, your risk is increased.
- Ethnicity: People with northern Europe ancestry are at highest risk.
- Geography: There is a higher incidence of MS in certain regions of the world, including south-eastern Australia.
- Autoimmune diseases: If you have other autoimmune diseases (e.g. thyroid disease), you may have increased risk.
The frequency and severity of these attacks are unpredictable. Many MS patients continue to live active, productive lives. For others, however, the disease becomes progressively more severe, causing serious disability.
There is no cure for MS at this time. However, treatment can lessen the effects of attacks, symptoms can be managed and disease progression can be slowed.
Causes
The ultimate cause of multiple sclerosis is not known. Researchers believe it is an autoimmune disease: the body's own immune system attacks the myelin of the CNS (central nervous system: the brain and spinal cord).
Myelin is the protective sheath that covers and insulates the nerves and aids the transmission of electrochemical messages between the CNS and the rest of the body. The attack by the immune system causes plaques or lesions in the myelin, which slows, blocks or distorts the messages sent along the nerves.
Because of complex interacting factors, the disease most often affects young white women in temperate parts of the globe.
These factors may include:
- Age: MS most commonly affects people between 20 and 40.
- Gender: Women have twice the risk of men.
- Infections: Certain viral infections are associated with MS.
- Genetics: If someone in your close family has multiple sclerosis, your risk is increased.
- Ethnicity: People with northern Europe ancestry are at highest risk.
- Geography: There is a higher incidence of MS in certain regions of the world, including south-eastern Australia.
- Autoimmune diseases: If you have other autoimmune diseases (e.g. thyroid disease), you may have increased risk.
