What is MS?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the Central Nervous System (brain and spinal cord). MS affects approximately one million people in the United States.
Symptoms of MS vary greatly from person to person and are very unpredictable. Symptoms may be temporary, recurring, or permanent.
Symptoms
- Blurred or double vision
- Overwhelming or unusual fatigue
- Bladder or bowel problems
- Diminished sexual sensation
- Coordination and balance difficulties
- Muscle spasticity, or stiffness
- Confusion, difficulty focusing, organizing or planning
- Tremors
- Weakness, numbness or tingling sensations in the arms or legs
- Headaches
- Slowing or slurring of speech
- Memory or cognitive problems
- Depression and/or mood swings
- Speech or swallowing disorders
- Head sensitivity
Who gets MS?
Multiple Sclerosis usually affects people between the ages of 20-50 with most people experiencing their first symptoms in their 20’s or 30’s.
What causes MS?
Scientist do not know for certain what causes MS. They believe that a mix of factors triggers MS. Studies support the idea that a trigger in the environment may cause MS in certain people who have a specific combination of genes. Research also suggests that ethnicity and geographic location play a role.
Types of MS
MS is currently divided into 4 different types. Knowing the type of MS you have may help you know what to expect over the long term. It can also help you and your healthcare provider decide what type of Disease Modifying Therapy is best for you.
- Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS)
- Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS)
- Secondary progressive MS (SPMS)
- Primary progressive MS (PPMS)