Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, potentially debilitating disease that affects your
central nervous system, which is made up of your brain and spinal cord. Multiple
sclerosis is widely believed to be an autoimmune disease, a condition in which your
immune system attacks components of your body as if they're foreign.

In multiple sclerosis, the body mistakenly directs antibodies and white blood cells
against proteins in the myelin sheath, a fatty substance that insulates nerve fibers in
your brain and spinal cord. This results in inflammation and injury to the sheath and
ultimately to the nerves that it surrounds. The result may be multiple areas of scarring
(sclerosis). Eventually, this damage can slow or block the nerve signals that control
muscle coordination, strength, sensation and vision.

Multiple sclerosis affects an estimated 300,000 people in the United States and
probably more than 1 million people around the world \u2014 including twice as many
women as men. Most people experience their first signs or symptoms between ages 20
and 40.

Multiple sclerosis is unpredictable and varies in severity. In some people, multiple
sclerosis is a mild illness, but it can lead to permanent disability in others. Treatments
can modify the course of the disease and relieve symptoms.

In some cases, people with multiple sclerosis may also develop muscle stiffness or
spasticity, slurred speech, paralysis, or problems with bladder, bowel or sexual
function. Mental changes, such as forgetfulness or difficulties with concentration, also
may occur.

Your central nervous system contains millions of nerve cells that send their electrical signals to and from your brain along wire-like extensions of the cells called axons, or nerve fibers. Myelin is the fatty substance that coats and protects these fibers, similar to the way insulation shields electrical wires.

In people with multiple sclerosis, the immune system mistakenly destroys the cells
that produce the myelin sheath. As a result, myelin becomes inflamed and swollen
and detaches from the nerve fibers. The detached myelin may eventually be
destroyed. Firm or hardened (sclerosed) patches of scar tissue form over the fibers.
When nerve impulses reach a damaged area, some impulses are blocked or delayed
from traveling to or from your brain. Ultimately, this process leads to degeneration of
the nerves themselves, which likely accounts for the permanent disabilities that may
develop in MS.

Genetic factors may make certain people more susceptible to multiple sclerosis. But
genetic susceptibility is only part of the explanation. A number of researchers believe
the disorder is related to a protein that mimics the myelin protein, which may be
introduced into the body by a virus. Other researchers believe that the immune system
overreacts toward myelin proteins in people with MS, which leads to an abnormal
tendency to develop autoimmune disease.

A period of disease activity (exacerbation) may be triggered by a viral infection, such
as a cold or flu, or by changes in the immune system during the first six months
following a pregnancy.

ups, followed by periods of remission. The flare-ups typically appear suddenly, last a few
weeks or months, and then gradually disappear. Most people with MS have this form at the
time of diagnosis.

enter a stage of continuous deterioration referred to as secondary progressive MS. Sudden relapses may occur, superimposed upon the continuous deterioration that characterizes this type of multiple sclerosis.

descent. There also appears to be a genetic component to the condition,
although the risk to children of people affected by MS is less than 5 percent
over their lifetime. Researchers suspect that the tendency to develop multiple
sclerosis is inherited, but the disease manifests only when environmental
triggers are present.

multiple sclerosis. Many viruses and bacteria have been suspected of causing
MS, most recently the Epstein-Barr virus, known also for causing infectious
mononucleosis. Some studies have suggested that developing infection at a
critical period of exposure may lead to conditions conducive to the
development of MS a decade or more later.

One of the early indications of multiple sclerosis is numbness and tingling in your
arms, legs or elsewhere in your body. Although numbness most often doesn't indicate
MS, it's important to see your doctor if you experience numbness or tingling that
persists for days or weeks \u2014 especially if it spreads to involve large parts of your
body. Your doctor can determine whether MS or another neurological disorder may
be the cause. Also see your doctor if you experience persistent double vision,
persistent loss of balance or visual loss.