Knowing Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) in which the body’s own immune cells attack the nervous system. Multiple sclerosis causes an inflammation of the nervous tissue, the loss of myelin, a fatty substance that acts as a kind of protective insulation for nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. This demyelination leaves multiple areas of scar tissue (sclerosis) on the walls of the nerve cells and the ability of nerves to electrical impulses to and from the brain affect behavior, leading to various symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
The cause of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is still unknown. Geographical studies show, it may be a factor relevant with environmental aspects. Multiple sclerosis case is more in the North of Europe, North America, Australia and in the South of New Zealand than in other areas.
Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosi (MS) are varies because of the location and extent of each attack. In general, a gradual progression of the disease, with consequences that last for days, weeks or months alternate with periods of about reduced or no symptoms (remission). Recurrence (relapse) is common, although stop progression without periods of remission may also occur.
The exact cause of the inflammation with Multiple Sclerosis is unknown. An increase in the number of immune cells in the body of a person with multiple sclerosis suggests that there is a type of immune response that causes the disease. The most common theories about the cause of multiple sclerosis is that a virus of the type of organism, a deviation from the genes responsible for controlling the immune system or a combination of both.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects about 1 in 1,000 people. The precentage is more women than men. The disease begins mostly between 20 and 40, but hit at any age. The risks include a family history of multiple sclerosis and lives in a geographical area with a higher incidence of multiple sclerosis.