Multiple sclerosis (MS)

What is Multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurological condition that results in the disturbed transfer of messages from the central nervous system to the rest of the body.

MS causes the individual’s immune system (which normally helps to fight off infections) to mistake the person’s own body tissue for a foreign body, such as infectious bacteria, and thus to attack it. MS is the result of damage to myelin - a protective sheath surrounding nerve fibres of the central nervous system. When myelin is damaged, this interferes with messages between the brain and other parts of the body - they can slow down, become distorted, pass from one nerve fibre to another (short circuiting) or alternatively, not get through at all.

What are the characteristics of Multiple sclerosis (MS)?

As the central nervous system links all bodily activities, numerous symptoms can appear with MS. The specific symptoms that appear depend on which part of the central nervous system is affected and the particular function of the damaged nerve.

The symptoms experienced with MS are caused by patchworks of scarring in the central nervous system. Those with the condition experience recurrent episodes of inflammation and destruction of the sheaths that surround and protect nerves.

Symptoms of MS are unpredictable and can vary greatly. They include pain, fatigue, visual loss, headaches, depression, slurred speech, tremors, stiffness, difficulty walking, loss of balance in severe cases, partial or complete paralysis

For some people, MS is characterised by periods of relapse and remission, while for others it has a progressive pattern.

Is there a treatment to arrest the progression of Multiple sclerosis (MS) ?

As its precise cause remains unclear, there is no cure for MS. Treatments include medication to relieve pain and spasms, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, steroids, and beta-interferon. Complementary therapies used include acupuncture, massage, yoga and homeopathy.

Are there any useful teaching and learning strategies for people with this medical condition?

For information on teaching and learning strategies, click here


The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland
The MS Resource Centre
80 Northumberland Road
Dublin 4
Tel: 01 6781600
Fax: 01 6781601
Email: info@ms-society.ie
Website: http://www.ms-society.ie/∞

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