Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the brain and spinal cord in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues (an autoimmune disease) that affects more than 400,000 Americans. With MS, the immune systems mistakes the protective covering on the nerve fibers (myelin sheath) as a foreign invader and therefore attacks it. An over-active immune response and inflammation leads to lesions in the brain and spinal cord.

These lesions cause communication problems (they can delay or block communication of messages) between the brain and spinal cord with other parts of the body.

Common Symptoms of MS: numbness, pain, tingling, vision problems, the feeling of brain “fogginess,” spasticity and tightness, imbalance, extreme fatigue, depression and numbness or tingling in the extremities, among other issues. Some patients may develop problems walking and my need assistance.