What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
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
Pain
Mood Changes
Weakness
Loss of coordination and balance
Bladder Dysfunction
Extreme Fatigue
Numbness
AND Cognitive impairment
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
There is NO CURE for MS, and 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.