What is Multiple Sclerosis?
An unpredictable disease of the central nervous system, multiple sclerosis (MS) can range from relatively benign to somewhat disabling to devastating, as communication between the brain and other parts of the body is disrupted…the initial symptom of MS is often blurred or double vision, red-green color distortion, or even blindness in one eye. Most MS patients experience muscle weakness in their extremities and difficulty with coordination and balance…Most people with MS also exhibit paresthesias, transitory abnormal sensory feelings such as numbness, prickling, or "pins and needles" sensations. Some may also experience pain. Speech impediments, tremors, and dizziness are other frequent complaints. Occasionally, people with MS have hearing loss. Approximately half of all people with MS experience cognitive impairments such as difficulties with concentration, attention, memory, and poor judgment. Depression is another common feature.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis Information Page
- Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (MSF) As a predominantly service-based, nonprofit organization, the MFS aims to ensure the best quality of life for those coping with MS by providing comprehensive support and educational programs.
- Multiple Sclerosis Information from the Cleveland Clinic describes symptoms and causes, management and treatment. New
- Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada aims to be a leader in finding a cure for multiple sclerosis and enabling people affected by MS to enhance their quality of life.
- MS Society of Great Britain and Northern Ireland The MS Society is the UK's largest charity for people affected by Multiple Sclerosis. [United Kingdom]
- Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland aims to enrich the quality of life for everyone affected by multiple sclerosis in Ireland. [Ireland]
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society is a collective of passionate individuals who want to do something about MS now—to move together toward a world free of multiple sclerosis.
- Multiple Sclerosis information from the Mayo Clinic
- NINDS Multiple Sclerosis Information Page provided by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.