What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

MS is the most common, chronic, unpredictable, disabling, and progressive neurological disease that affects the central nervous system.  It is not contagious, and, as yet there is no cure.

The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain, spinal cord, and the optic nerves. Surrounding and protecting the nerve fibres of the CNS is a fatty tissue called myelin, which helps nerve fibres conduct electrical impulses.

In MS, myelin is lost in multiple areas, leaving scar tissue called sclerosis. These damaged areas are also known as plaques or lesions. Sometimes the nerve fibre itself is damaged or broken.

Myelin not only protects nerve fibres, but makes their job possible. When myelin is destroyed or damaged, the ability of the nerves to conduct electrical impulses to and from the brain is disrupted, and this produces the various symptoms of MS.

MS Facts

An estimated 2,500,000 people in the world have multiple sclerosis - including 85,000 in the UK - it is more common in countries further away from the equator.
Every week around 50 people in the UK are diagnosed with MS.
Diagnosis is usually between 20 and 40 years of age - rarely under 12 or over 55.
Three women have MS for every two men.

Most Common Symptoms -

  • Bladder Dysfunction
  • Bowel Dysfunction
  • Changes in Cognitive Function, including problems with memory, attention, and problem-solving
  • Dizziness and Vertigo
  • Emotional Problems and/or Depression
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty in Walking and/or Balance Problems
  • Abnormal sensations such as Numbness or "pins and needles"
  • Pain
  • Sexual Dysfunction
  • Vision Problems

Less Common Symptoms are -

  • Headache
  • Hearing Loss
  • Itching
  • Seizures
  • Spasticity
  • Speech and Swallowing Disorders
  • Tremor

For some people, MS is characterised by periods of relapse and remission, while for others it has a progressive pattern. MS makes life unpredictable for everyone, and no two people have the same symptoms. Each person's MS is unique, as the body has so many nerves which can be damaged.

You can read about the use of hypnosis as a treatment for MS by clicking on the appropriate link in the left-hand columns.