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What is M.S.?
Multiple – Many, Sclerosis – Scars, = MS
- Is non-discriminative
- Is not hereditary
- Is not contagious
- Affects no two people the same
- Is the most common neurological disorder among young adults
- Affects around 100,000 people in the UK alone
- Is more common in women than men- ratio 3:2
- Almost everyone will know someone affected by MS - EVEN YOU!!!
Diagnosis usually occurs between the ages of 20 and 40, but, although rare, has also been diagnosed both in childhood and later life. Most commonly, MS is described as relapsing remitting, this means the condition flares up and then calms down. MS is the result of damage to a substance called myelin. Myelin is a protective sheath surrounding all nerve fibres in the brain and spinal cord. It works like insulating cable, helping to conduct electrical impulses throughout the body. When myelin is healthy and functioning properly, electrical impulses are quick and efficient allowing fast, co-ordinated movement, when myelin is damaged impulses are slower, distorted or non-existent so causing many of the symptoms of MS.
MS can make you feel isolated- here at the Centre you meet friends, have a gossip, a laugh, try your hand at art, learn about computers, check information on the Internet, and eat great cake !!!!
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