multiple sclerosis definition

Multiple Sclerosis is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system.


The nerve fibers entering and leaving the brain are involved in a multi-layer insulation film called myelin sheath. The myelin sheath allows conduction of electrical impulses along the nerve fiber with speed and precision. When injuries occur in myelin, nerve cells lose their myelin sheath and the nerves do not conduct impulses properly.

It can only be reliably diagnosed by post-mortem autopsy or biopsy, although non-invasive criteria exist to diagnose with acceptable certainty. The last internationally recognized are the McDonald criteria.


At the moment it is considered that there is no cure but medication is effective and research on its causes is an active field of research. The exact causes are unknown. You may submit a series of symptoms that occur in outbreaks or progress slowly over time. It is believed that autoimmune mechanisms operate its genesis.


We distinguish several subtypes of multiple sclerosis and many patients present different forms of the disease over time.


Because of its effects on the central nervous system, can result in impaired mobility and disability in more severe cases. Fifteen years after the onset of symptoms, if untreated, at least 50% of patients retain a high degree of mobility. Less than 10% of patients die from the consequences of MS or its complications.


It is, after epilepsy, the most common neurological disease among young adults (from the almost complete eradication of polio) and the most common cause of paralysis in Western countries. It affects about 1 in every 1000 people, particularly women. It occurs when patients are between 20 and 40.

The term MS is given by the multiple areas of scarring (sclerosis) that represent the various foci of demyelination in the nervous system.


MS is not contagious or hereditary, not the cause of death and its course is chronic. It is a disease that usually occurs between 20 and 40 years, mostly in women. Because disabling causes limitations in employment and economic activity resulting in a high impact on the family and social circle closest to the patient. Break into the patient's life by altering the style and quality of life.