It is a progressive, potentially disabling disease of the central nervous system that damages myelin, the protective layer surrounding nerves. This disrupts communication to and from the brain, producing symptoms such as:

• Vision impairment
• Loss of coordination and balance
• Extreme fatigue
• Pain
• Bladder dysfunction
• Cognitive impairment
• Numbness
• Weakness
• Mood changes

The severity in which people experience the MS symptoms is related to the type of MS they have.

The MS Society of Canada recognizes four different kinds:

• CIS : Clinically-isolated syndrome (which refers to a single episode of neurological symptoms that may suggest MS )
• RRMS : Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
• SPMS : Secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis
• PPMS: Primary progressive multiple sclerosis

Treatments typically focus on

• speeding recovery from attacks
• slowing the progression of the disease
• managing MS symptoms

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS), the majority of people who have MS will experience a relatively normal life span. However, people who have MS also have to contend with other issues that can decrease their quality of life.