Multiple Sclerosis is commonly abbreviated as MS. It is a condition that affects the nerves of the body and eventually affects the brain and spinal cord. The coating of the nerves deteriorates with MS, and as a consequence impulses no longer travel along the nerves as efficiently as before developing the condition. The nerves become damaged as a result, and this is called sclerosing, or scarring. The ‘multiple’ means that more than one nerve is affected by the scarring.
The exact cause of MS is unknown, but the condition is called one of the ‘auto immune’ diseases where the body appears to fight itself. MS is more common in people exposed to some risks, such as smoking, and it appears to be more common in those people who have relatives who have had the condition. Other risk factors, such as stress, diet and solvents, have not been definitely proven to be the cause of MS, but it is always helpful to avoid these if at all possible. Symptoms of MS are often vague, so often the condition may be present for some time before definitely being diagnosed. However, at least half of those with MS complain of visual disturbances, memory loss or difficulty concentrating, limb weakness and tingling or muscle spasms causing some difficulty coordinating movement.
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