Multiple sclerosis basics

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, unpredictable, and potentially disabling disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS). This system includes the brain and spinal cord. Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects about 1 in 500 to 1 in 1000 Canadians and is more common in women. It often strikes people during their peak years of their career and family life.

There are 4 main types of multiple sclerosis (MS). Each type has different features and prognosis: Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS): This type shows clearly defined relapses (attacks) with partial or complete recovery. It affects around 85% of all people with MS. Secondary progressive MS (SPMS): Within 10 years, about half of patients with relapsing-remitting MS will go on to develop secondary progressive MS.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms can include: weakness, numbness, and tingling (in the arms, legs, or other body areas) extreme fatigue muscle spasticity shaking and loss of coordination poor balance and unsteadiness, which can cause a staggering gait difficulty speaking difficulty swallowing depression pain troubles with memory, concentration, thinking, or solving problems vision changes or vision loss vertigo and dizziness bladder problems bowel problems sexual problems MS is a unique experience for every patient.