What is MS?

There is no known single cause of MS but many genetic and environmental factors have been shown to contribute to its development. 

The current hypothesis is that the disease appears in those individuals who have a genetic predisposition to react to some infectious agent in the environment such as a virus or bacterium. This means that the disease is not genetically transmitted in the same way as hair or eye colour, for example. There seems to be a combination of genes that makes one person more susceptible to the agent(s) than someone else with a different genetic makeup.

While several different viruses and bacteria have been studied for their possible role in MS, the trigger(s) have not yet been found. Environmental and psychological factors may play a part that we do not yet understand. We do know, however, that MS is not a contagious disease and you do not need to be concerned about transmitting MS to those around you.

Wrongly programmed immune cells enter the CNS, causing inflammation in the brain, spinal cord, and/or optic nerves. It is this inflammation that can cause damage to the protective myelin coating around the nerve cells, producing scars (also called plaques or lesions) that interfere with nerve transmission. While many of these scars may have no apparent effect, others are responsible for the various symptoms of MS.

Each person’s symptoms will vary depending on the particular location(s) where the scarring (demyelination) occurs.

There are 3 types of MS:

• Relapsing remitting MS is the most common form of MS. It is characterised by flare-ups of the neurological symptoms of MS, also known as relapses or attacks, followed by periods of recovery or remission.
• Secondary progressive MS (SPMS) is a secondary phase of relapsing remitting MS that can develop years, to decades following the initial onset of relapsing symptoms. SPMS is characterised by a progressive worsening of symptoms (accumulation of disability) over time, with no obvious signs of remission.
• Secondary progressive MS (SPMS) is a secondary phase of relapsing remitting MS that can develop years, to decades following the initial onset of relapsing symptoms. SPMS is characterised by a progressive worsening of symptoms (accumulation of disability) over time, with no obvious signs of remission.

Anyone may develop MS but there are some patterns. Three out of four Australians with MS are women and the average age of diagnosis is just 30.

Studies suggest that genetic factors make certain individuals more susceptible than others, but there is no evidence that MS is directly inherited.

It occurs more commonly among people with northern European ancestry. People of African, Asian, and Hispanic backgrounds are also diagnosed with MS, however, the incidence is much lower. MS is not contagious.

In early MS, symptoms that might indicate any number of possible disorders come and go. Some people have symptoms that are very difficult for physicians to interpret, and these people must “wait and see.” While no single laboratory test is yet available to prove or rule out MS, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a great help in reaching a definitive diagnosis.

Diagnosis is made by a neurologist who will work in partnership with your GP to determine treatment options and symptoms management. As early MS is not always easily detectable, it’s important you talk to a medical professional if you are displaying any of the symptoms of MS.