Multiple Sclerosis

The Multiple Sclerosis topic includes research on the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of the neurological disease multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the coating of nerve cells called myelin, resulting in nerve and muscle damage. Research showing a correlation of infection with Epstein-Barr virus and development of multiple sclerosis has provided some evidence of causality, but all causal factors remain unknown.

The most common symptoms of MS are muscle weakness, problems with balance and coordination, fatigue, numbness, and vision loss. Some people develop progressive multiple sclerosis, which can do extensive damage to the brain and result in significant disability. The disease often relapses or remits (goes into remission), with symptoms coming and going. MS affects women more often than men.

Although there is currently no cure for MS, some treatments can help ease symptoms, limit relapses, and delay progression of the disease. The Swank diet, low in saturated fats and high in polyunsaturated fatty acids, can help, and exercise like yoga may improve a depressed mood.