Multiple Sclerosis

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

A disease in which the nerves of the central nervous system degenerate. It affects the pathways of the brain and the spinal cord and results in the destruction of myelin, a covering or insulation for nerves, that improves the conduction of impulses along the nerves and also is important for maintaining the health of the nerves.

WHEN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS ATTACKS

In multiple sclerosis, an agent such as a virus or foreign antigen, in theory, may alter or interact with the immune system so that the immune system perceives myelin as an intruder and attacks it. Inflammation occurs and causes myelin to disappear. Consequently, the electrical impulses that travel along the nerves decelerate, that is, become slower. In addition, the nerves themselves are damaged. While some of the myelin may be repaired after the assault, some of the nerves are stripped of their myelin covering (become demyelinated). Scarring also occurs, and material is deposited into the scars and forms plaques. As more and more nerves are affected, a person experiences a progressive interference with functions that are controlled by the nervous system such as vision, speech, walking, writing, and memory.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THERE IS MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS