The brain develops inflammation and scar tissue, along with lesions, and this makes it harder for the brain to send signals to the body.
Multiple Sclerosis attacks the central nervous system and is a chronic illness. The protective layers around the nerve fibers are attacked by the immune system.
Symptoms vary widely from person to person, and may also change day to day, as well as month to month and year to year.
The most common symptoms are difficulty walking and fatigue, as well as tremors, balance issues, numbness in the legs and feet, concentration, finding the right words, or memory loss. Problems with walking and fatigue can become severe enough to be debilitating.
Doctors may perform tests such as blood work, spinal tap and MRI to help in making an accurate diagnosis and to rule out other conditions such as Lyme Disease and Lupus.