Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is an acquired chronic immune mediated inflammatory condition of the central nervous system ( CNS ) , affecting both the brain and the spinal cord ( NICE 2015 ).

Relapsing-remitting MS ( RRMS )-Most common subtype ( 80 to 90 % ) where periods of stability ( remission ) are followed by episodes when there are exacerbation of symptoms ( relapses )CNS repair and use of neurological reserves can remodel and compensate the damage to some extent.

Secondary progressive -About 2/3 rd of people who start with RRMS may progress to secondary progressive when there is a gradual accumulation of disability unrelated to relapses , which become less frequent or stop completely.

Primary Progressive -About 10 % of people have primary progressive MS where symptoms gradually develop and worsen over time from the start , without ever experiencing relapses and remissions.Underlying neurodegeneration rather than inflammation as in RRMS is the cause.

How common ? Multiple sclerosis ( MS ) is the commonest non-traumatic disabling disease to affect young adults MS is increasingly becoming a global disease - about 2.5 million individuals are affected worldwide MS is more common in females with a ratio of 3 : 1 in...