The CDC's National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) surveys indicate that there was approximately 700,000 doctor visits, between 1999-2000, that included a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis each year. In the early 1990s the National Health Interview Survey indicated that less than 0.1% of Americans had this condition. Below are some answers to the most commonly asked questions about multiple sclerosis.
What is MS?
MS is a disease of the Central Nervous System (the brain and spinal cord) in which the myelin sheath which covers and insulates nerve cells is destroyed. Without the myelin sheath the electrical impulses are not transmitted effectively. Scar tissue called plaques may form on the nerve cells permanently interfering with motor and sensory control. Each patient with MS has a different set of symptoms that reflect what area of the CNS has been effected. Some symptoms of MS include weakness, numbness, incoordination, loss of balance, visual problems, loss of bladder or bowel control, difficulty speaking, and fatigue. MS is not fatal or contagious, but a small number of people have a severe form of MS which can shorten life expectancy.
What causes MS?
The cause of MS is not yet known. The destruction of myelin seems to be caused by an abnormal immune system response where cells that normally fight off illness react against the body’s own tissues. MS is not directly inherited, but there appears to be some level of genetic susceptibility.
What happens when you have MS?
The ramifications of MS depend on how often episodes of demyelination occur and how much the brain and spinal cord have been effected. The most common form of MS is relapsing-remitting MS where patients have clearly defined relapses or flare-ups when symptoms become dramatically worse. These periods are followed by periods of recovery or remission where symptoms completely or partially go away. Around 20% of people with MS have very mild symptoms and little disability over time. For some the relapsing-remitting disease becomes progressive after a number of years which is called secondary-progressive MS. About 15% have a steadily progressive MS from the start called primary-progressive MS.
Are there any treatments for MS?
Traditionally steroids and ACTH are used to treat flare-ups. There are a number of promising new medications that slow the rate of relapsing and limit MS activity in the brain. Medications are also available for the treatment of specific symptoms.