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     Multiple Sclerosis is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. MS effects the substance known as myelin which protects the nerve fibers that carry critical neurological messages to different parts of the body. For unknown reasons myelin is attacked and during the repairing process scar tissue known as plaque forms. These plaques harden and begin to interfere with the flow of information from nerve impulses. Consequently, symptoms of MS are dependent upon the exact location of these plaques. For example, when an area of demyelination occurs in the cerebellum, the area of the brain that is responsible for making coordinated movements, coordination becomes impaired. Because the area of scarring dictates the symptoms, no two cases of MS are exactly alike and symptoms vary considerably from one individual to another.

Symptoms of MS can include: tingling sensations, numbness, muscle fatigue, poor coordination, blurred vision, dizziness, pain, bladder and bowel incontinence, spasticity, contractures, difficulty with speech and swallowing, sexual dysfunction or paralysis. These symptoms may occur in any combination, may come and go, and may vary from very mild to very severe.

MS is not contagious and is not a mental illness. It is more common among women than men, and symptoms usually surface between the ages of 20 and 45.

At present there is no known cause or cure. However, there is medical treatment available to slow the progression of the disease, treatment to minimize and control specific symptoms, and therapies to minimize discomfort and inconvenience.

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