In MS, the immune system attacks the layer that surrounds and protects the nerves, called the myelin sheath. This is when something goes wrong with the immune system and it mistakenly attacks a healthy part of the body – in this case, the brain or spinal cord of the nervous system. In primary progressive MS, symptoms gradually worsen and accumulate over several years, and there are no periods of remission, though people often have periods where their condition appears to stabilise. Just over 1 in 10 people with the condition start their MS with a gradual worsening of symptoms. Some people continue to have infrequent relapses during this stage.Īround half of people with relapsing remitting MS will develop secondary progressive MS within 15-20 years, and the risk of this happening increases the longer you have the condition. In this type of MS, symptoms gradually worsen over time without obvious attacks. These can last for years at a time.Īfter many years (usually decades), many, but not all people, with relapsing remitting MS go on to develop secondary progressive MS. Periods between attacks are known as periods of "remission". The symptoms of a relapse may disappear altogether, with or without treatment, although some symptoms often persist, with repeated attacks happening over several years. Relapses often occur without warning, but are sometimes associated with a period of illness or stress. These typically worsen over a few days, last for days to weeks to months, then slowly improve over a similar time period. Someone with relapsing remitting MS will have episodes of new or worsening symptoms, known as "relapses". More than 8 out of every 10 people with MS are diagnosed with the "relapsing remitting" type. MS starts in one of two general ways: with individual relapses (attacks or exacerbations) or with gradual progression. Read more about diagnosing MS Types of MS If you GP thinks you could have MS, you'll be referred to a neurologist (a specialist in conditions of the nervous system), who may suggest tests such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to check for features of MS. Let your GP know about the specific pattern of symptoms you’re experiencing. The early symptoms often have many other causes, so they're not necessarily a sign of MS. See your GP if you're worried you might have early signs of MS. Read more about the symptoms of MS Getting medical advice problems with thinking, learning and planningĭepending on the type of MS you have (see below), your symptoms may come and go in phases, or get steadily worse over time (progress).problems with balance and co-ordination.numbness or tingling in different parts of the body.vision problems, such as blurred vision.The symptoms of MS vary widely from person to person and can affect any part of the body. It's about two to three times more common in women than men. It's most commonly diagnosed in people in their 20s and 30s, although it can develop at any age. It's estimated that there are more than 100,000 people diagnosed with MS in the UK. Average life expectancy is slightly reduced for people with MS. In many cases, it’s possible to treat symptoms. It's a lifelong condition that can sometimes cause serious disability, although it can occasionally be mild. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition which can affect the brain and/or spinal cord, causing a wide range of potential symptoms, including problems with vision, arm or leg movement, sensation or balance.
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