Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system that can affect the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. Common symptoms include fatigue, bladder and bowel problems, sexual problems, pain, cognitive and mood changes such as depression, muscular changes and visual changes.
What part of the brain does multiple sclerosis affect?
MS produces damage in the more heavily myelinated regions of the brain, known as white matter. But MS has also been shown to affect the less myelinated regions closer to the surface of the brain, known as cortical grey matter.
Why does multiple sclerosis only affect the central nervous system?
Myelin is present in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS); however only the central nervous system is affected by MS. CNS myelin is produced by special cells called oligodendrocytes. PNS myelin is produced by Schwann cells.
What organs are affected by multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system that can affect the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves.
How do you know if your central nervous system is damaged?
Numbness, tingling, weakness, or inability to move a part or all of one side of the body (paralysis). Dimness, blurring, double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes. Loss of speech, trouble talking, or trouble understanding speech. Sudden, severe headache.
What happens if the central nervous system is damaged?
You may experience the sudden onset of one or more symptoms, such as: Numbness, tingling, weakness, or inability to move a part or all of one side of the body (paralysis). Dimness, blurring, double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes. Loss of speech, trouble talking, or trouble understanding speech.
How serious is multiple sclerosis?
MS itself is rarely fatal, but complications may arise from severe MS, such as chest or bladder infections, or swallowing difficulties. The average life expectancy for people with MS is around 5 to 10 years lower than average, and this gap appears to be getting smaller all the time.
What was your first MS symptom?
They talked about a wide range of symptoms including; changes in vision (from blurry eyes to complete loss of sight), extreme tiredness, pain, difficulties with walking or balance leading to clumsiness or falling, changes in sensation like numbness, tingling or even having your face ‘feel like a sponge.