What is multiple sclerosis in simple terms?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). 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.

How do you explain MS to someone?

Tell them how much support you want and how they can best support you. Explaining the symptoms of MS can be tricky in that others may not be able to see how it affects you. Describing certain symptoms that stem from feelings and relating them to everyday things can help you connect, especially with children.

What sclerosis means?

Sclerosis: Localized hardening of skin. Sclerosis is generally caused by underlying diseases, such as diabetes and scleroderma.

What happens when you have MS?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system that can affect the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. Common symptoms include fatigue, bladder and bowel problems, sexual problems, pain, cognitive and mood changes such as depression, muscular changes and visual changes.

What are the four different types of multiple sclerosis?

There are four main types of multiple sclerosis, as well as benign and malignant forms of the disease. The main types of multiple sclerosis include relapsing-remitting, primary-progressive, secondary-progressive, and progressive-relapsing.

What does multiple sclerosis feel like?

Many people with multiple sclerosis have stiff muscles and spasms, a condition called spasticity. It happens mostly in the muscles of the legs and arms, and it may keep you from moving your limbs freely. You might feel spasticity either as stiffness that doesn’t go away or as movements you can’t control that come and go, especially at night.

Can multiple sclerosis go away on its own?

The symptoms of multiple sclerosis fade away on their own as the time passes but if the case is severe, it will get worsen over time. Dizziness is also another common symptom of multiple sclerosis. The patient feels nauseous and dizzy when lying down or when they suddenly stand up.

Do you know the 4 stages of multiple sclerosis?

Four disease courses have been identified in multiple sclerosis: clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), primary progressive MS (PPMS), and secondary progressive MS (SPMS). Managing MS is an ongoing process, beginning with the very first symptoms and continuing throughout the disease course.