Introduction

Multiple Sclerosis is a neurological disorder caused by damage to the myelin sheath, which protects the nerve fibres in the brain and the spinal cord. The myelin sheath is an insulator to the nerves and is present to ensure effective transmittance of electrical impulses.

(The above diagram shows how myelin normally insulates the nerve fibres without any inflammation.  The picture is from www-lib.utah.edu/kw/ms/mml/ms_pathology0.3html.)

I decided to do this web page on MS because my mother has been diagnosed with a possible singular form of the disease.  I wanted to find out more information about the neurological disorder in order for me to understand how it affects the human body, and also, just as importantly, how best to support my family.  Fortunately my mother has got non-progressive MS; therefore it looks likely that she will be able to enjoy the rest of her life with no further problems with regards to the disorder.  This form of the disorder is very mild but there are many other people who suffer from more serious forms of the condition.

Most people who suffer from the neurological disorder are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40.  MS attacks tend to occur during stressful periods, and the attacks can come and go.  Many sufferers believe that the worst aspect of the disorder is its unpredictability; one day everything is under control, the next day an attack could occur.