Multiple Sclerosis: Living with an Autoimmune Brain Disease

What is MS?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system in which the immune system attacks the myelin sheath that surrounds and protects nerve fibers. These lesions (plaques) disrupt the transmission of nerve impulses between the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of the body.

Varied symptoms

MS can affect almost all neurological functions: visual disturbances (optic neuritis), numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, balance problems, intense fatigue, urinary problems, pain, and cognitive disorders. Symptoms vary widely from patient to patient.

Disease forms

The relapsing-remitting form (85% of onsets) progresses with relapses interspersed with remissions. The secondary progressive form follows the relapsing form with a gradually accumulating disability. The primary progressive form (10-15%) worsens from the beginning without distinct relapses.

Current treatments

Disease-modifying treatments (interferon beta, glatiramer acetate, fingolimod, ocrelizumab, natalizumab) reduce the frequency of relapses and slow the accumulation of disability. Ocrelizumab is the first effective treatment for the progressive form. Rehabilitation, physical activity, and psychological support are essential components of management.