How does MS wreak its damage?
If you or a loved one has multiple sclerosis (MS), you already know about the symptoms. They may include muscle weakness, trouble with coordination and balance, vision problems, thinking and memory issues, and sensations such as numbness, prickling, or “pins and needles.”
What you may not know is how this autoimmune disease actually affects the body. How does it interfere with the messaging system that helps your brain control your actions?
Where does the damage occur?
Nerve damage can occur anywhere in the spinal cord and/or brain, which is why MS symptoms may vary from person to person. Depending on the location and severity of the white blood cell attack, symptoms may include:
- loss of balance
- muscle spasms
- weakness
- tremors
- bowel and bladder problems
- eye problems
- hearing loss
- facial pain
- brain issues such as memory loss
- sexual issues
- problems with speech and swallowing
MS focuses on the central nervous system
MS attacks tissues in the brain and spinal cord, known as the central nervous system (CNS). This system includes the complex network of nerve cells responsible for sending, receiving, and interpreting information from all parts of the body.
During daily life, the spinal cord sends information to the brain via these nerve cells. The brain then interprets the information and controls how you react to it. You can think of the brain as the central computer and the spinal cord as a cable between the brain and the rest of the body.
The importance of nerve cells
Nerve cells (neurons) carry messages from one part of the body to another through electrical and chemical impulses. Each has a cell body, dendrites, and an axon. The dendrites are thin, web-like structures that branch out from the cell body. They act like receptors, receiving signals from other nerve cells and transmitting them to the cell body.
The axon, also called a nerve fiber, is a tail-like projection that serves the opposite function of the dendrites: it sends electrical impulses out to other nerve cells.
A fatty material known as myelin covers the axon of the nerve cell. This covering protects and insulates the axon much like the rubber shell that protects and insulates an electric cord.
Myelin is made of up lipids (fatty substances) and proteins. In addition to protecting the axon, it also helps nerve signals travel quickly from one part of the body to another, or to the brain. MS attacks myelin, breaking it down and interrupting nerve signals.
MS starts with inflammation
Scientists believe that MS begins with inflammation. Infection-fighting white blood cells that are triggered by some unknown force enter the CNS and attack the nerve cells.
Scientists speculate that a latent virus, when activated, may cause the inflammation. A genetic trigger or an immune system malfunction may also be to blame. Whatever the spark, the white blood cells go on the offensive.
Inflammation targets myelin
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