Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an auto-immune disease in which an individual’s immune system, which is designed to keep the body healthy, mistakenly attacks parts of the body that are vital to everyday functioning. The cause of MS is still unknown. In the case of MS, the immune system malfunction destroys myelin, which is the fatty substance that coats and protects the nerve fibers in the brain as well as the spinal cord.

Myelin is like the insulation coating on electric wires. When the protective myelin is damaged and the nerve fiber is exposed, the messages which travel along that nerve may get slowed down or block. The nerve can also become damaged itself.

It is still unclear why MS develops in some people and not in others. A combination of genetic and environmental factors appears to be responsible for this health condition.

MS is a disease with very unpredictable symptoms that can vary in intensity. People suffering from this disease may experience fatigue and numbness. Severe cases of MS can cause paralysis, vision loss, and reduced efficiency of the brain.

Early signs and symptoms
Some of the early signs and symptoms of MS include the following:

Vision problems – Problems which affect the eyesight are one of the most common symptoms of MS. This includes blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision. This causes inflammation and which in turn affects the optic nerve disrupting central vision.

Tingling/numbness – MS affects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. This actually means that conflicting signals are sent by the body to the brain which results in numbness. Some of the most common sites of numbness include arms, face, legs, and fingers.

Pain and spasms – Half of the people who had chronic pain were seen to be suffering from MS, according to research. Muscles stiffness is also very common or what we could call as spasms or uncontrollable and painful jerking movements. Legs and back pain are also common in people suffering from MS.

Weakness and fatigue – Chronic fatigue occurs only when nerves deteriorate. The weakness is most noticeable in the legs first. It lasts for weeks before improving or showing any signs of improvement.

Balance problems and dizziness – Problems with coordination and balance can actually decrease the mobility of anyone. This symptom often occurs when a person stands. People suffering from MS often feel lightheaded and dizzy or as if their surroundings are spinning.

Bladder and bowel dysfunction – Urinary problems are not always manageable. People with MS may experience constipation, diarrhea, or loss of bowel control.

Sexual dysfunction – Sexual arousal could be a problem sometimes for people suffering from this disease because of MS attacks the central nervous system where it begins.

Cognitive problems – Common issue with cognitive functions include loss of memory. A person is unable to retain slightest of details. A very shortened attention span and also language problems occur. They may also have great difficulty in staying organized. As we now know a cluttered desk is a sign of cluttered mind. Depression and many other emotional health problems may also get a lot more common.

Depression – MS could cause irritability, mood swings, and a condition called pseudobulbar affect (PBA). Coping with this deadly disease along with a relationship or family issues could sometimes seem a lot more than one could handle, pushing them more toward depression