About MS

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, disabling disease of the central nervous system, which comprises the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. In people with MS, the person's immune system mistakenly damages healthy nerves in the brain and spinal cord. The damage disrupts or stops the normal flow of nerve impulses, causing a reduction in or loss of body function. It can be unpredictable and sometimes disabling.

Initially, most people are diagnosed with a type of MS referred to as relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). With this form of multiple sclerosis, people will experience symptoms that last for days to weeks, and then resolve partially or completely for months or even years. Without treatment, people will sustain disease relapses with new or worsening symptoms over time.

A large percentage of people with RRMS will advance to secondary progressive MS (SPMS). In people with SPMS, disability accumulates and worsens progressively.

People diagnosed with primary progressive MS (PPMS) experience a more steady progression of the disease. They typically do not have periodic relapses and remissions. Often, their mobility deteriorates gradually with heaviness and stiffness in the lower limbs.