Multiple Sclerosis

MS is an autoimmune disease that attacks the nervous system, mainly the structure that covers the neurons, myelin. This doesn't allow proper neural function leading to multiple neurological symptoms. MS usually appears in the thirties, but there have been cases of children with the disease, and is more common in women. It is a degenerative disease with no known cure and many suggests it has a possible heredetary link. Early initial diagnosis is hard to achieve due to the multiple, very general symptoms. It is when symptoms become evident that it's possible to diagnose with proper imaging procedures of the brain and other tools used in diagnosis. In MS, a brain scan will reveal plaques of dyemylination ("myelin corrosion") very characteristic of MS. Treatment is mainly delivered to slow progression and targets the immune system to prevent and suppress the attack to our own neurons.

Sings and symptoms include:

• Muscle or motor symptoms, such as weakness, leg dragging, stiffness, a tendency to drop things, a feeling of heaviness, clumsiness, or a lack of coordination (ataxia).
• Visual symptoms, such as blurred, foggy, or hazy vision, eyeball pain (especially with movement), blindness, or double vision. Optic neuritis-a sudden loss of vision and eye pain-is a fairly common first symptom, occurring in up to 25% of those who develop MS.
• Sensory symptoms, such as tingling, a pins-and-needles sensation, numbness, a bandlike tightness around the trunk or legs, or electrical sensations moving down the back and legs.

Less common early symptoms include:1

• Balance symptoms, such as lightheadedness or dizziness, and a spinning feeling (vertigo).
• Bladder symptoms, such as an inability to hold urine (urinary incontinence) or to completely empty the bladder, or a loss of bladder sensation-an inability to sense that the bladder becoming full until there is a sudden, urgent need to urinate.

As MS progresses, symptoms may become more severe and may include:

• Increased muscle problems, such as weakness, leg dragging, clumsiness, or lack of coordination.
• Stiff, mechanical movements (spasticity) or uncontrollable shaking (tremor), which may make walking difficult. A wheelchair may be needed some or all of the time.
• Pain and other sensory symptoms.
• Incontinence or, less often, an inability to urinate (urinary retention).
• Constipation and other bowel disorders.
• Male erectile dysfunction (impotence) and female sexual dysfunction.
• Cognitive and emotional problems, which are common in people who have had MS for some time.
• Cognitive problems, such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, reduced attention span, or difficulty finding the correct words.
• Emotional symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and anger. A rare symptom is excessive cheerfulness that seems inappropriate.
• Feeling very tired (fatigue). This can be worse if symptoms such as pain, spasticity, bladder problems, anxiety, or depression make it difficult to sleep.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a degenerative disease that can present with several different systems. These may include numbness, tingling, blurred vision, and loss of balance. The symptoms are caused by damage to the myelin covering of the nerves leading to poor transmission of nerve signals.

don't know but i know that there are signs of multiple sclerosis anyway. eyes hurting, blurred vison and all sorts of other stuff...... you could try searching it on wikipedia found this by googling 'ms symptoms;:

Multiple Sclerosis

- commonly called the young person's disease because it frequently strikes adults in the prime of their lives between the ages of 20 and 40 - is difficult to diagnose. One of the only predictable things about MS is that the disease is totally unpredictable. Even when someone is diagnosed with the disease, there is no way to tell if or how the disease will progress. And it often begins differently in different individuals. In fact, newly diagnosed people are frequently unable to put their finger on the very first symptoms of the disease because many of the signs and symptoms of MS mimic other diseases or seem completely unconnected to each other. In retrospect, however, and after reviewing many, many cases of the chronic disease of the central nervous system, a number of signs and symptoms appear to be common in patients diagnosed with MS. These symptoms may appear in any order in an individual with the disease, and some individuals with the disease will never exhibit some of these signs or symptoms. Furthermore, the presence of the signs and symptoms mentioned here are not conclusive evidence of MS. All of these symptoms - by themselves or in combination with other symptoms - are also symptoms of other diseases and/or conditions. Only a trained physician or neurologist can make a diagnosis of MS conclusively - and then usually only after a period of recurrent or persistent symptoms, a series of different symptoms, and/or specific medical tests. This article is in no way intended to suggest a diagnosis of MS without expert medical advice. Having said that, signs and symptoms of MS may include: Tingling or numbness in one or more limbs of the body or in specific parts of the body. As mentioned above, this alone is not indicative of MS. There are many other disorders - like carpal tunnel syndrome, for example - that can be associated with tingling or numbness. However, many MS patients do report this symptom and it should be noted that the tingling or numbness can come and go. Difficulty balancing/dizziness. Likewise, dizziness or difficulty balancing can be a symptom of many conditions - such as an inner ear disorder - and does not by itself indicate MS. However, some MS patients report problems with balancing and periods of dizziness. Recurrent or steady pain in an area of the body. Many, many diseases and conditions generate pain in the body. Pain alone will never indicate the presence of MS. But some patients with MS do experience pain generated by no other known physical injury or cause. Confusion or impaired thinking or memory. Illnesses in general can cause somewhat impaired thinking. Serious conditions of many kinds can also generate these symptoms. But again, some patients with MS do experience impairment of their thinking capacities on occasion. Sensitivity to heat. Just because you feel uncomfortable when exposed to heat does not indicate MS. However, many individuals with the disease experience increased discomfort, feelings of illness, and an increase in other symptoms of the disease when they are exposed to heat - even normal heat that most other individuals can easily tolerate. Fatigue. There are many, many reasons that people experience fatigue and many illnesses or conditions that are accompanied by fatigue, as well. MS is only one such condition. Again, no one symptom can conclusively point to a diagnosis of MS, but many MS patients report feelings of extreme fatigue that may come and go. Impaired Vision. The same goes for impaired vision. If you're not seeing well, your eye doctor will want to rule out any other vision problems. Diabetes and other conditions that may affect the eyes must also be considered. Some patients with MS experience problems with their vision, while others do not. Spasticity or muscle cramps. A charliehorse or two in your leg doesn't indicate MS either. Many perfectly healthy people experience muscle cramps for various reasons. But patients with MS sometimes report problems with spasticity. Impairment of bladder or bowel function. Common infections or other serious illnesses can also manifest themselves in the bladder or bowel. However, some MS patients have difficulty with incontinence, frequency, and other bladder or bowel-related difficulties. Partial or total paralysis. Many people automatically associate a diagnosis of MS with partial or complete paralysis, though this is not the case. While some individuals will experience impaired mobility, the majority do not. MS runs the gamut - from mild, barely noticeable symptoms to more obvious symptoms like impaired mobility. This list is not all-conclusive. Nor is it meant to suggest that you or anyone you know who has or is experiencing one or more of these symptoms might have MS. Only a qualified doctor can make such a diagnosis. However, if you or a loved one is experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it's probably time to make an appointment with your physician to determine the cause. And if three or more of these symptoms are present, it might be advisable to talk about the possibility of MS with your doctor. It is not known what causes MS.There are lots of theories.

Some suggestions are,an auto immune disease , a virus, genetics.

Basically you have to imagine the nerves in your body like there were electrical cables.the nerves are covered with an outside sheathing called mylen .with MS the mylen is destroyed leaving the nerves exposed.and like electric cables that are left exposed they begin to sort of short circuit.

WebMD has a pretty good explanation of how MS works also, this: MS == Multiple sclerosis (MS) usually affects woman more than men. The disorder most commonly begins between ages 20 and 40, but can strike at any age. The exact cause is not known, but MS is believed to result from damage to the myelin sheath, the protective material which surrounds nerve cells. It is a progressive disease, meaning the damage gets worse over time. Inflammation destroys the myelin, leaving multiple areas of scar tissue (sclerosis). The inflammation occurs when the body's own immune cells attack the nervous system. The inflammation causes nerve impulses to slow down or become blocked, leading to the symptoms of MS. Repeated episodes, or flare ups, of inflammation can occur along any area of the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms vary because the location and extent of each attack varies. Usually episodes that last days, weeks, or months alternate with times of reduced or no symptoms (remission). Recurrence (relapse) is common although non-stop progression without periods of remission may also occur. Researchers are not sure what triggers an attack. Patients with MS typically have a higher number of immune cells than a healthy person, which suggests that an immune response might play a role. The most common theories point to a virus or genetic defect, or a combination of both. There also appears to be a genetic link to the disease. MS is more likely to occur in northern Europe, the northern United States, southern Australia, and New Zealand than in other areas. Geographic studies indicate there may be an environmental factor involved. People with a family history of MS and those who live in a geographical area with a higher incidence rate for MS have a higher risk of the disease. == * weakness of one or more extremities * paralysis of one or more extremities * tremor of one or more extremities * muscle spasticity (uncontrollable spasm of muscle groups) * muscle atrophy * movement, dysfunctional - slowly progressive; beginning in the legs * numbness or abnormal sensation in any area * tingling * facial pain * extremity pain * loss of vision -- usually affects one eye at a time * double vision * eye discomfort * uncontrollable rapid eye movements * eye symptoms worsen on movement of the eyes * decreased coordination * loss of balance * decreased ability to control small or intricate movements * walking/gait abnormalities * muscle spasms (especially in the legs) * dizziness * vertigo * urinary hesitancy, difficult to begin urinating * strong urge to urinate (urinary urgency) * frequent need to urinate (urinary frequency) * incontinence (leakage of urine, loss of control over urination) * decreased memory * decreased spontaneity * decreased judgment * loss of ability to think abstractly * loss of ability to generalize * depression * decreased attention span * slurred speech * difficulty speaking or understanding speech * fatigue, tired easily Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease: * constipation * hearing loss * positive Babinski's reflex Note: Symptoms may vary with each attack. They may last days to months, then reduce or disappear, then recur periodically. With each recurrence, the symptoms are different as new areas are affected. Fever can trigger or worsen attacks, as can hot baths, sun exposure, and stress. == Symptoms of MS may mimic many other neurologic disorders. Diagnosis is made by ruling out other conditions. A history of at least two attacks separated by a period of reduced or no symptoms may indicate one pattern of attack/remission seen in MS (known as relapsing-remitting pattern). If there are observable decreases in any functions of the central nervous system (such as abnormal reflexes), the diagnosis of MS may be suspected. Examination by the health care provider may show focal neurologic deficits (localized decreases in function). This may include decreased or abnormal sensation, decreased ability to move a part of the body, speech or vision changes, or other loss of neurologic functions. The type of neurologic deficits usually indicates the location of the damage to the nerves. Eye examination may show abnormal pupil responses, changes in the visual fields or eye movements, nystagmus (rapid eye movements) triggered by movement of the eye, decreased visual acuity, or abnormal findings on a fundoscopy (an examination of the internal structures of the eye). Tests that indicate or confirm multiple sclerosis include: * head MRIscan that showsscarring or a new lesion* spineMRIscan that showsscarring or a new lesion* lumbar puncture (spinal tap) * CSF oligoclonal banding * CSF IgG index == There is no known cure for multiple sclerosis at this time. However, there are promising therapies that may slow the disease. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms and maintain a normal quality of life. Types of treatment include: * Immune modulators. Patients with a relapsing-remitting course of the disease are often placed on an immune modulating therapy. This requires injection under the skin or in the muscle once or several times a week. It may be in the form of interferon (such as Avonex, Betaseron, or Rebif) or another medicine called glatiramer acetate (Copaxone). They are all similar in their effectiveness and the decision on which to use depends on concerns about particular side effects. * Steroids. Steroids are given to decrease the severity of attacks when they occur. These shut the immune system down to stop cells from causing inflammation. * Lioresal (Baclofen), tizanidine (Zanaflex), or a benzodiazepine may be used to reduce muscle spasticity. * Cholinergic medications to reduce urinary problems. * Antidepressants for mood or behavior symptoms. * Amantadine for fatigue. * Physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and support groups can help improve the person's outlook, reduce depression, maximize function, and improve coping skills. * Exercise. A planned exercise program early in the course of the disorder can help maintain muscle tone. A healthy lifestyle is encouraged, including good general nutrition. Adequate rest and relaxation can help maintain energy levels. Attempts should be made to avoid fatigue, stress, temperature extremes, and illness to reduce factors that may trigger an MS attack. == For additional information, see multiple sclerosis resources. == * progressive disability * urinary tract infections * side effects of medications used to treat the disorder == Call your health care provider if you develop any symptoms of MS, as he or she is the only one who can distinguish multiple sclerosis from other serious disorders such as stroke or infection. Call your health care provider if symptoms progressively worsen despite treatment. Call your health care provider if the condition deteriorates to the point where home care is no longer possible. == Hafler DA. Multiple sclerosis. J Clin Invest. 2004 Mar 15; 113(6): 788-794. Goetz, CG, ed. Multiple Sclerosis. In: Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 2nd ed. Saunders. Philadelphia, PA: 2003;1060-1076 National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Available at: . Accessed June 6, 2005