What is Multiple Sclerosis?

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Understanding Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex disease that's both difficult to understand and to live with. If you want answers, you'll find them on the Web. The nation's top MS research foundations, clinics, support networks, and health sites provide extensive information on the background of the disease, treatment options, coping, research, and much more. Use this guide to increase your understanding of MS, and become proactive in caring for yourself or your loved one.

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What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system that, according to the Mayo Clinic, affects roughly 300,000 people in the United States. The prevailing theory is that the body's immune system turns on itself and attacks the layer of insulating tissue that protects the nerve fibers surrounding the spinal cord and brain, resulting in a variety of symptoms that may include muscle weakness, blurred vision, difficulty walking, depression, and paralysis.

Dulcinea's Insight

Like most diseases and disorders, MS has inspired several publicly and/or privately funded foundations devoted to helping its sufferers through education and research. These foundations typically summarize and promote their programs and their latest findings on their Web sites, and are thus valuable sources of information. An example is found at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's site, which clearly describes new and old research efforts.

If you encounter unfamiliar medical terms while doing your research, consult a medical dictionary or encyclopedia. A good place to start is with the HealingWell.com glossary of MS-related terms. By using these resources you'll have a better chance of fully comprehending lingo-laden articles.

Dulcinea's Picks

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has a multiple sclerosis information page that answers basic questions about what it is and provides contact information for 12 related organizations.

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The National Multiple Sclerosis Society reviews nine myths associated with MS, debunking each one with links to expanded information.

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Mayo Clinic has MS information covering the basics of what the disease is, its signs and symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and coping with the disease.

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MedlinePlus has an interactive, step-by-step tutorial on multiple sclerosis that provides a discussion of anatomy, the causes of MS, symptoms, treatment options, and more. The tutorial can be viewed in text-only format, or using a Flash Player.

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MS Australia has a comprehensive "Frequently Asked Questions" section that addresses the common questions and concerns one might have about multiple sclerosis. Questions include, "Is MS contagious?", "Can MS be cured?", and "What medications and treatments are available for MS?"

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The University of Maryland Medical Center has a patient education section that discusses possible causes of multiple sclerosis and reviews the risk factors.

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YouTube is better known for TV clips and silly home videos than as a source of quality medical information, but don't let that prevent you from watching this informative, narrated animation showing how multiple sclerosis affects the central nervous system.

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