What is MS?

Multiple Sclerosis is a medical condition that affects the nerves in the body. It is not a question of being “bad with your nerves”.

During an MS attack the myelin sheath, which covers the nerve, becomes inflamed and this disrupts the messages passed along the motor and sensory nerves.
Motor nerves carry messages from the brain to make parts of the body work. Sensory nerves carry messages to the brain to give information.

Consequently, some parts of the body may not work as efficiently and sensitivities such as touch may be altered.

Not all nerves will be affected by MS. Some, such as the nerves affecting heart and lungs function will not be directly affected. These belong to the “autonomic system”.

MS is individual, no two people will be exactly the same. There are different types of MS: benign, relapsing/remitting and progressive.

Free information booklets

If you would like more information please contact Action MS to request a set of free information booklets.