What to Know About Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease in which the immune system attacks the protective myelin sheath around nerve fibers in the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. The cause is unknown, but genetic vulnerability and environmental factors may raise risk, including smoking, low vitamin D and prior Epstein-Barr virus infection. Symptoms vary by person and no single sign is exclusive. Common features include optic neuritis with blurry vision, reduced color intensity and pain with eye movement, along with diplopia, numbness and tingling, fatigue, bladder problems, balance issues, vertigo and muscle weakness. MS is classified into relapsing-remitting, secondary progressive, primary progressive and progressive relapsing forms.