'Multiple Sclerosis Informational Section'

What is Multiple Sclerosis?
(MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system, which predominantly affects young adults during
their most productive years. Viral and autoimmune etiologies are postulated. Genetic and environmental
factors are known to contribute to MS, but a specific cause for this disease is not identified.
Multiple sclerosis is a very variable condition and the symptoms depend on which areas of the
central nervous system have been affected.

There is no set pattern to MS and everyone with MS has a different set of symptoms,
which vary from time to time and can change in severity and duration, even in the same person.

The systems commonly affected include: • Co-ordination • Strength • Sensation
• Speech and swallowing • Bladder control • Sexuality • Cognitive function • Fatigue
• Difficulty sleeping • Frequent digestive upsets • Frequent upper respiratory problems
• Lack of stamina • Cognitive problems • Small numb patches on skin
• Vertigo • Double vision • High white cell count • Mono

MS sufferers often experience - a sudden desperate need to pass urine - little or no bladder control
- wanting to urinate frequently - feeling as though the bladder is never quite empty - wanting to urinate
but the urine is slow to pass - bedwetting at night - hesitancy in urinating
AND - Eye problems are usually one of the first symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
About 70% of MS sufferers report some kind of vision problem making this one of the most
common symptoms associated with the disease. Bladder problems can be one of the first signs as well;
roughly by up to 80% of people with MS at some stage.

Magnetic resonance imaging, MRI, has become one of the most important diagnostic tools for MS.
It is also being used to provide vital research into how the disease develops. An MRI scan can take
detailed images of the brain and spinal cord showing up clearly any areas where there is scarring
of the protective myelin sheath which covers the nerve cells.

•1•Relapse-remitting MS - This is the most common form of the disease and is the type most people
are initially diagnosed with. •2•Secondary progressive MS - This starts in the same way as relapse-remitting
MS but after a few relapses the remission periods slowly begin to stop and the disease moves into
a progressive phase. •3•Primary progressive MS - This affects around 15% of people with MS
and is characterized by a lack of attacks and remissions. •4•Benign MS - This type usually starts
with one or two mild attacks - mainly affecting the sensory functions - followed by complete recovery.
•5•Progressive relapsing MS - This is a very rare form with just 5% of sufferers diagnosed with it.


We hope our information will be of help to you and your loved ones.

CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN FOR A PROPER DIAGNOSIS