Multiple sclerosis how does it affect the nervous system

The CNS consists of the brain, optic nerves and spinal cord. In addition to the myelin, over time, the axons and nerve cells neurons within the CNS may also become damaged. The damage to the protective covering and also to the nerves disrupts the smooth flow of nerve impulses. As a result, messages from the brain and spinal cord going to other parts of the body may be delayed and have trouble reaching their destination — causing the symptoms of MS. Messages may take longer to get through but your symptoms will improve to some extent.

Should the area of damage become too large, this rerouting process is no longer able to compensate. Messages to or from that part of the central nervous system are permanently blocked, resulting in symptoms that do not improve for you. Remyelination and neuroprotection are potential areas where new treatments could be developed. Some research is looking into drugs that protect nerves from damage and so halt or slow down the progression of MS. Some research is investigating drugs that promote myelin repair, which would mean that damage could be reversed and function improved.

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Glial cells make up to half of brain volume, supporting and protecting the nerve cells. Research shows they matter in multiple sclerosis. Find out more in this A-Z entry. Neuroprotection - protecting nerve cells from destruction - is an important target of research because permanent symptoms of MS develop when nerve cells are destroyed. Print this page. Skip to content. Skip to navigation. How is MS diagnosed? Guidance for young people with MS Cabbages and an MS King Call for national neurology plan following largest ever survey of people with neurological conditions Can't take the heat?

Challenged myself to walk miles throughout May Christmas cards are here! But what do the new rules mean for people with MS? Focus on: self-compassion and resilience Focus on: sleep problems in MS Focus on: using orthoses to improve walking difficulties Gabapentin and pregabalin - new rules for prescriptions Good news! MS is caused by damage to the myelin sheath. This sheath is the protective covering that surrounds nerve cells. When this nerve covering is damaged, nerve signals slow or stop. The nerve damage is caused by inflammation.

Inflammation occurs when the body's own immune cells attack the nervous system. This can occur along any area of the brain, optic nerve, and spinal cord. It is unknown what exactly causes MS. The most common thought is that it is caused by a virus, a gene defect, or both. Environmental factors may also play a role. You are slightly more likely to develop this condition if you have a family history of MS or you live in a part of the world where MS is more common.

Symptoms vary because the location and severity of each attack can be different. Attacks can last for days, weeks, or months. Attacks are followed by remissions. These are periods of reduced symptoms or no symptoms. Fever, hot baths, sun exposure, and stress can trigger or worsen attacks. It is common for the disease to return relapse. The disease may also continue to get worse without remissions.

Nerves in any part of the brain or spinal cord may be damaged. Network of Pediatric MS Centers. Accessed March 5, Rodriguez M. Plasmapheresis in acute episodes of fulminant CNS inflammatory demyelination. Deb C. PLoS One. FDA approves new drug to treat multiple sclerosis. Accessed Feb. Keegan BM expert opinion. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. FDA approves new oral drug to treat multiple sclerosis.

Food and Drug Administration. Accessed March 29, Kappos L, et al. Marin Collazo IV expert opinion. April 2, Mayo Clinic; Medication monitoring guidelines. Accessed March 16, Cannabis for MS: Can it help treat symptoms? Demyelinating disease: What can you do about it?

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News from Mayo Clinic Study may improve understanding of how disability develops in MS patients versus those with related diseases July 19, , p. Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. Learn more about this top honor.