Multiple Sclerosis - Introduction

The symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) are often first noticed when a person is in their late 20s or early 30s. So it is viewed as a disease of young adults.

MS symptoms, which include paralysis, vary enormously [Corbis].

Between 85,000 and 100,000 people in the UK are thought to have the condition; about 60% are women. MS is a non-contagious disease that affects the nerve cells. For some unknown reason, the immune system of MS sufferers attacks proteins in the coating of nerve cells. This damage slows or blocks nerve cell signals. Symptoms, which include vision loss, paralysis, numbness, extreme fatigue, and walking difficulties, can vary widely from person to person. In addition, they can come and go with no apparent pattern, all of which make MS difficult to diagnose.

Research in animals has shown that a specific type of immune system cell is involved in the attack on the nerve coating. So, a major research goal is to slow down and stop this taking place. There is also a great deal of effort being put into optimising the use of licensed medications. This includes studies into different doses, different delivery routes (oral vs. injection) and combining the main form of medication, beta-interferons, with other drugs.

More to follow...