Multiple Sclerosis
What Is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) damages the protective cover around nerves called myelin in your central nervous system. It can cause muscle weakness, vision changes, numbness and memory issues. While there isn’t a cure, treatment options can help you manage symptoms and slow disease progression.
What are MS Lesions
(bright spots)
A lesion is an area of damage in the brain or spinal cord. Lesions in MS are sometimes also called plaques. They occur when the immune system attacks the myelin sheath around nerves.
This causes inflammation and scarring, also known as sclerosis.
How Is MS Diagnosed?
Diagnosing MS isn't always easy. The first symptoms may be vague. And many of the symptoms can be caused by problems other than MS.
MS is not diagnosed unless a doctor can be sure that you have had at least two attacks affecting at least two different areas of your central nervous system. The doctor will examine you, ask you questions about your symptoms, and do some tests. An MRI is often used to confirm the diagnosis because the patches of damage (lesions) caused by MS attacks can be seen with this test.
What are The Symptoms of MS?
Symptoms depend on which parts of the brain and spinal cord are damaged and how bad the damage is.
It's important to note that if you have any of these symptoms, it does not definitively mean the diagnosis will be MS. However, paying attention to and monitoring these signs can be useful when speaking to a healthcare practitioner to expedite diagnoses.
How is MS Treated?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is treated through a combination of approaches aimed at managing symptoms, reducing the frequency of flare-ups, and slowing disease progression. Treatment typically involves disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) that target the immune system to reduce inflammation and prevent new damage to the nervous system. Corticosteroids may be used to treat acute relapses by reducing inflammation. Symptom management often includes physical therapy, medications for fatigue, spasticity, or pain, and lifestyle changes like regular exercise and a balanced diet. In some cases, complementary therapies such as mindfulness or acupuncture can provide additional relief. Treatment plans are tailored to the individual’s specific needs and type of MS.
Types of MS
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can present in different forms, each with unique patterns of progression. The most common type is Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS), characterized by episodes of new or worsening symptoms followed by periods of remission. Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS) may develop after RRMS, with symptoms gradually worsening over time. Primary Progressive MS (PPMS) involves a steady progression of symptoms from the start, without distinct relapses. Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS) is an initial episode of neurological symptoms that may or may not develop into MS. Understanding these types helps tailor treatment and management plans.
MS in Different Populations
Canada has one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the world, with an estimated 90,000 Canadians living with the disease. On average, 12 Canadians are diagnosed with MS every day.
Approximately 75% of Canadians living with MS are women, indicating a significant gender disparity. Atlas of MS
The average age at diagnosis is 43 years, though MS can affect individuals of all ages.
There are now 2.8 million people worldwide who have multiple sclerosis (MS). The number of people living with MS has increased in every region around the world since 2013. Several factors may be contributing to this increase such as improved diagnosis, better counting methods, people with MS living longer, and global population growth. However, from available data, an increase in the risk of developing MS cannot be ruled out.
Why Haven't We Found a Cure Yet?
A major obstacle is the variability of the disease. MS affects individuals differently—some experience mild symptoms, while others face severe disability. Its unpredictable nature complicates the development of universal treatments.
Moreover, the brain and spinal cord are notoriously difficult to study and repair due to their intricate structure and limited regenerative capabilities.
While there is no cure yet, ongoing research has led to significant advancements in treatments that slow progression, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life. Scientists are exploring innovative therapies like remyelination, gene editing, and personalized medicine, but translating these discoveries into a cure takes time, funding, and rigorous testing.
Curing MS requires unravelling the complexities of the immune system and central nervous system —an immense but not impossible task. With continued investment and collaboration, researchers remain hopeful that one day, MS will be a condition of the past.
