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[May 07, 2013] 
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Simply put, multiple sclerosis,
commonly called MS, is an inflammatory disease that affects the
brain's ability to communicate with the rest of the body. The
disease usually onsets in young adults and most commonly occurs in
women.
Symptoms are widespread, with
early onset sometimes being subtle. Physical symptoms can
include changes in sensation, such as loss of
sensitivity or tingling, pricking or numbness, muscle weakness,
muscle spasms, difficulty moving; difficulties with coordination and
balance, problems in speech or swallowing, visual problems,
fatigue, acute or chronic pain, and bladder and bowel difficulties.
Cognitive impairment of
varying degrees, as well as depression and mood swings, are also
common symptoms.
MS victims can experience
"relapse" in their disease, but they are never considered to be
cured or in remission. Symptoms can reoccur without warning,
though doctors have identified certain triggers that will cause a
recurrence, such as viral infections like the common cold, influenza
and
stomach flu, as well as stress.
To date there is no cure for
MS, though research continues in the field. Advances have been
made in finding common factors in MS victims and identifying
possible causes.
Pictures by Nila Smith |
