What is MS?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system.  The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord which control movements throughout the body.  The main cause of MS is currently unknown, however researchers believe it may be an autoimmune disorder.  


In MS, nerve impulses being sent from the brain to the body are affected because the body attacks the myelin sheath that surrounds nerves. The damaged myelin sheath becomes hardened or scarred and can cause restricted or lost movement.


Each person with MS will experience a different disease course with different symptoms.  There may be times of exacerbation and times of remission throughout a person's life.


Please click here to listen to a podcast from Dr. Schin on basics of MS

Damaged myelin sheath