Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. It interferes with nerve impulses within the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. It is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system with over 25,000 people living with the disease in Australia. There is currently no known cure for the disease, however there are several treatment options available to help manage symptoms.
No one knows the exact causes of multiple sclerosis (MS), but a mixture of genetic and environmental factors are likely to play a role in the development of the disease. Multiple sclerosis is a result of the body's immune system attacking its own myelin — the protective sheath surrounding the central nervous system.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms are varied and unpredictable, depending on which part of the central nervous system is affected and to what degree. The most common symptoms are fatigue, pain, bladder and bowel issues, spasticity, problems with vision, cognitive fog and changes in emotion. Some symptoms are immediately obvious. Other signs such as fatigue, numbness and cognitive fog, can be invisible.
There is no single blood test, symptom, or physical finding which can definitely diagnose a person with the disease. Some early signs or symptoms of multiple sclerosis can also be caused by other issues. If you're concerned you have multiple sclerosis symptoms please see your GP in the first instance. They may refer you to a Neurologist if they believe further tests are necessary.
It is generally very difficult to predict the course of the disease, as it varies greatly from case to case, but most people with multiple sclerosis can expect 95% of the normal life expectancy. Being informed about the disease, educating yourself about the available treatment options and strategies and surrounding yourself with a good supporting team, will allow you to take back some of the control.