MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). The term “multiple sclerosis” refers to the multiple areas of scar tissue — often called “lesions” — that develop along affected nerve fibers and that are visible in MRI scans. The literal meaning of “sclerosis” is “pathological hardening of tissue.” In MS, the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibers and causes communication problems between your brain and the rest of your body. As the attack progresses, the myelin sheath becomes inflamed and gradually is destroyed, leaving areas of patchy scar tissue (sclerosis) that disrupt the electrical impulses between the brain and other parts of the body. It can cause problems with vision, balance, muscle control, and other basic body functions. Eventually, the disease can cause the nerves themselves to deteriorate or become permanently damaged. Signs and symptoms of ...