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About Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common disease of the central nervous system affecting young adults in Canada. An estimated 50,000 Canadians have MS. The MS Society estimates, based on current prevalence rates, that there are approximately 1,000 new cases of MS diagnosed each year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is multiple sclerosis?
What are some common symptoms of MS?
What causes MS?
Who gets MS?
Is multiple sclerosis fatal?
Are there different types of MS?
Does MS change over time?
Are there treatments for MS?
Is MS contagious?
Is there hope for a cure?

What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple Sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system - the brain and spinal cord. The disease attacks the protective myelin covering of the central nervous system causing inflammation and often destroying the myelin in patches. When this happens, the natural flow of nerve impulses along the nerve fibers (axons) is interrupted or distorted. The result is a wide variety of symptoms depending on what part, or parts, of the central nervous system is affected. The damaged parts of myelin are often called "lesions' or "plaques". Attacks are unpredictable and are usually followed by a period of complete of partial recovery.

MS is a chronic, often disabling disease of the central nervous system.
MS can cause loss of balance, impaired speech, extreme fatigue, double vision and even paralysis.
MS is the most common neurological disease affecting young adults in Canada, most often diagnosed between the ages of 15-40.
An estimated 75,000 Canadians are living with MS - one of the highest rates of MS in the world.
Every day, approximately 3 more Canadians receive an MS diagnosis.
1 in 2 Canadians know someone with MS.
Women are three times as likely to develop MS as men.
Treatments are available for some types of MS.
While research is progressing, as of yet there is no known cause, and no known cure.

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What are some common symptoms of MS?
While MS symptoms are unpredictable and vary greatly from person to person, common symptoms may include: vision disturbances (such as double or blurred vision),extreme fatigue, loss of balance, difficulties with coordination/ stiffness of muscles, speech problems (slurring), bladder and bowel problems, short-term memory loss and partial or complete paralysis. It is important to keep in mind that, not all people with MS will experience all symptoms and, often the symptoms will improve during periods of remission.
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What causes MS?
Although we do not know the cause of MS, most researchers believe that MS is an autoimmune disease. For reasons that are still unclear, the body's immune system malfunctions and starts attacking the myelin surrounding the central nervous system. There is some evidence to support the theory that MS triggered by a common virus and that certain people are more susceptible to developing MS because of genetic factors. There is no evidence, however, that MS is directly an inherited disease; a number of genes are probably involved in making some people more susceptible to MS.
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Who gets MS?
MS most often appears in young adults - women and men between th e ages of 20 to 40 in their career and family building years. Women develop the disease twice as often as men. Canadians are at a high risk for the disease, which occurs more prevalently in countries further from the equator.
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Is multiple sclerosis fatal?
Ms is not a fatal disease. Most people who have MS can expect to live a normal life span thanks to improvements in the treatment of symptoms and therapies for people with MS.
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Are there different types of MS?
Yes, MS has been grouped into several main types. These include:

Relapsing-remitting MS - is characterized by clearly defined attacks (relapses) followed by complete or partial recovery (remissions). This is the most commonform of MS (70 at time of diagnosis).
Primary-progressive MS - is relatively rare (10 to 15 at time of diagnosis). People with his type of MS have a continuous worsening of symptoms with no clear relapses or remissions.
Secondary-progressive MS - is an increase in levels constant disability for those with relapsing-remitting MS and usually occurs within 10 years of diagnosis.
Progressive-relapsing MS - is relatively rare; combines attacks with steady worsening and no remissions.
Benign MS - few attacks followed by long periods of remission and little disability after 15 years; approx. 20 - 25 of people who are originally diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS have this type.
Malignant MS - is a rapidly progressive disability within five years of diagnosis; relatively rare.

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Does MS change over time?
Yes Most people are diagnosed with the relapsing-remitting form of MS. Over time, some people in this category develop secondary-progressive MS while others will show signs of Benign MS with only mild attacks and no worsening of symptoms.
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Are there treatments for MS?
Since 1995, four medications have been approved in Canada for the treatment of relapsing-remitting MS. One medication is available for treatment of secondary- progressive MS. The treatments have been shown in clinical trials to decrease the frequency and severity of attacks, reduce the number of lesions in the brain and slow the general progression of disability. In addition to these medications there are several important therapies available to help MS symptoms such as: spasticity, bladder problems/ pain and fatigue.
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Is MS contagious?
No. MS is not contagious nor is it directly inherited. Research studies show that MS is an autoimmune disease and that genetic factors make certain people more susceptible to developing MS.
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Is there hope for a cure?
Absolutely. Researchers are learning more about what causes MS everyday and zeroing on ways to prevent it. Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada funds research in many areas including reparing or re-growing myelin, immune system research, virus research, genetics research, and MRI studies.
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