What is M.S.?

What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

    MS is a chronic disease that attacks the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord and optic nerves).   MS is thought to be an autoimmune disease.  The body’s own defense system attacks myelin, the fatty substance that surrounds and protects the nerve fibers of the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord (the central nervous system).  The damaged myelin may form scar tissue (sclerosis).  Often the nerve fiber is also damaged.  When any part of the myelin sheath or nerve fiber is damaged or destroyed, nerve impulses traveling to and from the brain are distorted or interrupted.  MS is not a fatal disease.  Individuals with MS have near-normal life expectancies.  Most people with MS learn to cope with the disease and are able to live productive lives.  MS is not contagious.  No one will “catch” it from you.

Who gets MS?

     An estimated 400,000 Americans have MS, although many organizations believe that the number is most likely much higher.  Most are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, and about two thirds are women.  An estimated 10,000 - 15,000 children have also been diagnosed with MS.  The disease is more frequently found among people raised in colder climates.  Studies indicate that genetic factors make certain individuals susceptible to the disease, but there is no evidence that MS is directly inherited.

What are its symptoms?

     The symptoms of MS may include tingling, numbness, painful sensations, slurred speech, and blurred or double vision.  Some people experience muscle weakness, poor balance, poor coordination, muscle tightness or spasticity, tremors, or paralysis, which may be temporary or permanent.  Problems with bladder, bowel, or sexual function are common.  Fatigue is a major concern for many.  MS can cause forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating.  It can also cause mood swings and may make people more susceptible to depression.  Symptoms may come and go, appear in any combination, and be mild, moderate, or severe.  Today, new treatments and advances in research are giving new hope to people who are affected by the disease.

What are the different types of MS?

• Relapsing-Remitting - People with this type of MS experience clearly defined flare-ups (also called relapses, attacks, or exacerbations). These are episodes of acute worsening of neurologic function. They are followed by partial or complete recovery periods (remissions) free of disease progression. 
  Frequency: The most common form of MS at time of initial diagnosis. Approximately 85%.

• Primary-Progressive - People with this type of MS experience a slow but nearly continuous worsening of their disease from the onset, with no distinct relapses or remissions. However, there are variations in rates of progression over time, occasional plateaus, and temporary minor improvements.
  Frequency: Relatively rare. Approximately 10%.

• Secondary-Progressive - People with this type of MS experience an initial period of relapsing-remitting MS, followed by a steadily worsening disease course with or without occasional flare-ups, minor recoveries (remissions), or plateaus.
  Frequency: 50% of people with relapsing-remitting MS developed this form of the disease within 10 years of their initial diagnosis, before introduction of the "disease-modifying" drugs.

• Progressive-Relapsing - People with this type of MS experience a steadily worsening disease from the onset but also have clear acute relapses (attacks or exacerbations), with or without recovery. In contrast to relapsing-remitting MS, the periods between relapses are characterized by continuing disease progression.
  Frequency: Relatively rare. Approximately 5%.

Can MS be treated?

     Yes. Today, there are six medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat MS. Four of them—Avonex®, Betaseron®, Copaxone®, and Rebif®—are immunomodulating drugs (meaning that they modulate or alter the immune system) that are given by injection. These drugs have been shown to be effective in modifying the natural course of relapsing and secondary-progressive MS.

     The National MS Society recommends that treatment with one of these “disease modifiers” be considered as soon as possible following a confirmed diagnosis of MS with a relapsing course.

     In some circumstances, treatment with a disease-modifying drug may be recommended before an individual is definitely diagnosed if the person experienced one attack and has evidence of MS lesions as seen by MRI scanning.

    Tysabri®, another immunomodulating drug that has recently been approved by the FDA, is delivered by infusion. It is recommended for patients who have an inadequate response to, or are unable to tolerate, alternate MS therapies.

     The sixth drug, Novantrone®, is a powerful immune system suppressor shown to be effective in slowing down MS that is rapidly worsening or becoming progressive.

Steroids may be used to shorten acute attacks. Many other therapies are being clinically tested, and researchers are hopeful that more treatments for MS will be available in the near future.

     There are also many medications to relieve or moderate MS symptoms such as spasticity, bowel and urinary distress, pain, fatigue, or depression. Physical therapy, exercise, vocational and cognitive rehabilitation, attention to diet, adequate rest, and counseling are often valuable for maintaining independence and quality of life. Prompt management of symptoms is vital and should be discussed with a knowledgeable physician.