Paralysis Resource Guide - (Page 21) CONDITIONS MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and often disabling disease of the central nervous system. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in a limb, or severe, including paralysis or loss of vision. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40. MS affects approximately 1 out of 1,000 people. Women are more commonly affected than men. The progress, severity and symptoms of MS in any individual cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are giving hope to those affected by the disease. Multiple sclerosis involves decreased nerve function associated with scar formation on the covering of nerve cells. Repeated episodes of inflammation destroy the myelin sheath that covers nerve fibers, leaving multiple areas of scar tissue (sclerosis) along the covering of the nerve cells. This results in slowing or blockage of nerve impulse transmission in that area. MS often progresses (called exacerbations) with episodes that last days, weeks, or months. Exacerbations often alternate with times of reduced or no symptoms (remission). Recurrence (relapse) is common. Symptoms of MS include weakness or paralysis of one or more extremities, tremor in the extremities, muscle spasticity (uncontrollable spasms), movement problems, numbness, tingling, pain, loss of vision, loss or coordination and balance, incontinence, loss of memory or judgment, and fatigue. Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms, occurring in about 80 percent of people with MS. Fatigue can significantly interfere with a person’s ability to work and function. It may be the most prominent symptom in a person who otherwise has been minimally affected by the disease. MS-related fatigue generally occurs on a daily basis and tends to worsen as the day progresses. It tends to be aggravated by heat and humidity. MS-related fatigue does not appear to be directly correlated with either depression or the degree of physical impairment. It may occur first thing in the morning even if the person has had a restful full night’s sleep. Symptoms may vary with each attack. Fever can trigger or worsen attacks, as can hot baths, sun exposure and stress. Multiple sclerosis varies greatly from person to person and in 21
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