Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. It is characterised by damage to the insulating layer surrounding nerve fibres.
People with MS show neurological symptoms including problems with:
- moving, such as muscle spasms and weakness
- seeing
- thinking and speaking
The symptoms of MS vary between people. Most people with MS experience short episodes of illness in between periods of good health. In some people, MS becomes steadily worse.
MS symptoms are thought to be caused by the breakdown of myelin, a mixture of proteins and lipids that surrounds nerves. Loss of myelin prevents nerves from functioning properly. Early in MS, damaged myelin can be repaired. Ongoing damage causes scarring around the nerves, impairing their function.
It is thought that myelin damage in MS is caused by the body’s own immune system. The trigger for this attack remains unknown. There is some evidence that MS may be triggered by a bacterial or viral infection in the brain. Our researchers are investigating this hypothesis.
MS affects more than 25,000 Australians, and more than 2.3 million people worldwide. Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 45 years. MS is the most common neurological disease affecting young adults. It is a highly disabling condition that impacts greatly on a person’s wellbeing and productivity.
MS Australia provides information and support for those affected by multiple sclerosis.
