Field Guide: Chapter 2

So now you know you have MS, but what exactly is MS.  You probably have figured out that it has something to do with the nerves and the brain, hence the neurologist. The following is based on my understanding of MS through the research I have done.  I encourage you to visit the links on this blog to further your understanding.  I am not a physician and I do not play one on T.V.  Knowledge is power, your research may yield a different perspective.
MS stands for Multiple Sclerosis, meaning many scars.  These scars are called lesions when they are seen on a MRI machine.  What causes these scars is still a source of great debate, which is why there is no cure yet.  These scars are seen in the central nervous system which consist of the brain, brain stem and spinal cord.
The most popular theory is that MS is caused by an over active immune system.  Something has triggered your body to see the myelin sheath (the nerves of the central nervous system protective cover) as foreign.  The protein in myelin is essential for the transmission of nerve impulses.  Without this protein, signals are not reaching its destination so to speak, which is what causes difficulty walking, numbness and tingling along with other neurological impairments.
 In the beginning stages of MS, your body has the ability to repair the myelin if not too severely damaged which is why it is so hard to detect on an MRI. But after repetitive damage to the same area, the body loses its ability to repair leading to scarring of the area, this is when it becomes harder to recover from relapses.  At this point you are left with permanent deficits, for example, foot drop.
There are other theories out there, but the thing that every theory has in common as of this point, is no one knows why MS happens or what triggers it.  If they figure that out, then it would help them figure out how to cure it.
That's all for now folks, this chickadee is a little tired.


http://www.nationalmssociety.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/what-we-know-about-ms/what-is-ms/index.aspx