Multiple Sclerosis Treatments for Acute Attacks Relapses Marsha
L Tarver, PhD What is MS? Multiple sclerosis is a neurological
disease that affects the brain and spinal cord and can affect
the optic nerves. The disease damages myelin, which is the
protective material covering the nerves in the brain and spinal
cord. This damage produces changes in how the muscles respond to
nerve stimulation by interfering with body movement and
coordination. The damaged areas develop a scarring or sclerosis
that continues to inhibit normal functioning. In some cases, the
scarring heals and people experience more normal functioning for
a time. However, over time the continual scarring can cause
permanent damage to the motor and sensory areas of the brain and
spinal cord. The disease is unpredictable and, depending on the
location and type of damage to the nerves, it can cause a
variety of symptoms. These symptoms range from feelings of
muscle weakness and numbing to loss of large muscle control. It
can also affect balance, bl