Multiple Sclerosis is an illness where the body's own immune system attacks nerves in the spine and brain.

Nerves are the same as electric wires, which connect the brain to all parts of the body. The centre is a conducting layer and the outside is an insulating layer of fat. Every function of the body is actioned by impulses from the brain. For example, the brain tells the heart to beat.

If a nerve is damaged then that part of the body will not work properly. Luckily each organ has many nerves and damage to one nerve will not cause failure but may impair its function.

The commonly accepted cause of MS is a viral infection, which affects nerves in the spine and brain. The brain produces a predator to attack the virus. This is released into the bloodstream and breaks through the fine mesh barrier into the spine and brain. It attacks the nerves to get to the virus and causes damage. The parts of the body that are actioned by the damaged nerves stop working. The first attack could for example stop your legs working. 

Normally the viral attack stops and the predator returns to the blood stream. As with vaccination it waits for the virus to return and is ready to attack again. If the outer fat layer of the nerve is damaged then the body can repair it and the function will return. If the centre of the nerve is damaged then that function will be lost forever.

A typical attack will right itself but you may be left with some permanent disability. Normally each attack will leave you slightly more disabled. With a more rare type of MS you do not recover and nerve damage is permanent. Most people with MS have minor disability but in some cases organ failure causes death.

Early diagnosis is essential by an expert Neurologist as the symptoms of MS are similar to many other illnesses.

There are many treatments for MS such as Beta Interferon, which slows down the body's immune system and therefore reduces the number of attacks. Other treatments strengthen the fine mesh barrier between the bloodstream and the spine. Many more are being tested.

Less than 5% of people with MS receive drug treatment in the UK. Many more are treated in the rest of Europe. Also treatment for the effects of MS is required.

As all parts and functions of the body affected then supportive care for all functions are required where necessary. An example is where somebody loses the ability to walk. The muscles in the leg waste and hang down. Eventually the leg seizes up and will not bend. If the leg receives physiotherapy then the muscles stay active and it continues to bend. Lack of physiotherapy is a major cause of people becoming bedridden.

Many people with MS use oxygen therapy. It is supposed to distribute fat through the bloodstream and help to restore nerve damage. It certainly helps people with damaged heart or lung function to spread oxygen around the body.

Ideally when you see a neurologist they should refer you to experts for treatment. Not all hospitals even have a neurologist and full care is rarely available at any hospital. The NHS needs to supply an expert Neurologist for every hospital and supportive care as well.

I am not a doctor and have written this guide to help people who know nothing about MS.

If you think you have MS then contact your doctor for medical advice.

Peter Duncan