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Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a long-term condition that affects the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. It is an autoimmune disease, which means the body's own immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. In MS, the immune system damages the protective covering of the nerves.
read more about multiple sclerosis ms ...Doctors do not know the exact cause of MS. It is a complex condition that seems to be caused by a mix of factors. Your genes may make you more likely to get it, but it is not passed down directly in families. Other triggers may include low vitamin D levels, smoking, or a past infection with certain viruses.
The symptoms of MS are different for every person. They can be mild or severe, and they may come and go. Common symptoms include feeling very tired, numbness or tingling in the face or body, muscle spasms or weakness, and problems with balance. Some people also have vision problems, like blurry vision or eye pain.
MS affects people in different ways. The most common form is "relapsing-remitting" MS, where a person has flare-ups of symptoms (relapses) followed by periods of recovery (remissions). "Primary progressive" MS is less common and means that symptoms slowly get worse over time without any clear relapses or remissions.
There is no cure for MS, but there are good treatments to manage it. Treatment has three main goals. The first is to use "disease-modifying therapies" (DMTs), which are medicines that help slow the disease and reduce relapses. The second is to treat relapses when they happen, often with steroid medicines. The third is to manage specific symptoms, like pain or muscle stiffness, with other medicines and physical therapy.
Is MS hereditary?
No, it is not considered a hereditary disease. While genes play a small part in your risk, it is not passed down from a parent to a child. The risk of a child getting MS when a parent has it is very low.
Is MS fatal?
No. For most people, MS is not a fatal disease. The majority of people with MS have a normal or near-normal life expectancy. Complications from severe MS can shorten a person's life, but this is not common.
Will I end up in a wheelchair?
Most people with MS will not need to use a wheelchair. This is a common myth. While some people do develop problems with walking, the majority of people with MS are able to walk for their entire lives.
You should see a doctor if you have any new or worrying symptoms, like numbness, weakness, or vision problems that last for more than a day. A doctor, often a specialist called a neurologist, can perform tests to find the cause of your symptoms. If you already have MS, you should see your doctor if you have a new flare-up of symptoms.