What is MS?

Multiple Sclerosis is a long term condition that affects the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS consists of the brain, spinal cord, and the optic nerves.

Surrounding and protecting the nerve fibres of the CNS is a fatty tissue called myelin, which helps nerve fibres conduct electrical impulses around the body. In MS, myelin is lost in multiple areas, leaving scar tissue called sclerosis. These damaged areas are also known as plaques or lesions. Sometimes the nerve fibre itself is damaged or broken.

Myelin not only protects nerve fibres, it also makes their job possible, so when either myelin or the nerve fibre is destroyed or damaged, the ability of the nerves to conduct electrical impulses to and from the brain is disrupted, and this produces the various symptoms of MS.

MS can have many different effects on patients and their families. The increasing level of disability and symptoms experienced by many patients can affect working, family and social life.