Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the nervous system. In MS, there are defects in the communication between the brain and other parts of the body. MS effects can range from relatively mild in most cases to somewhat disabling to devastating. The symptoms may occur randomly (in flares) and then disappear. In the worst cases, a person with MS may be unable to walk, speak, or write.

During an MS flare, inflammation occurs in patches (called plaques) in any area of the nervous system. This inflammation causes damage to the myelin sheath. The myelin sheath is a fatty covering that protects nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. Myelin allows for the smooth, high-speed transmission of nerve signals between the brain, the spinal cord, and the rest of the body. When myelin is damaged, it may block or slow nerve signals, resulting in reduced or lost function.

I Would Like to Learn About:

Conditions with Similar Symptoms

View Conditions

Related Information

Herbs

Evening primrose oil (EPO) Ginkgo biloba Hawthorn Horsetail Lavender Lemon balm Passionflower Skullcap

Supplements

Calcium Coenzyme Q10 Magnesium Omega-6 fatty acids Quercetin Selenium Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) Vitamin B9 (Folic acid) Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) Zinc

Learn More About

Acupuncture Herbal medicine Homeopathy Massage Nutrition

Review Date: 4/9/2018  

Reviewed By: Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, Solutions Acupuncture, a private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2024 A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.