-Biogen.

1. Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. 2. In MS, nerve cells are damaged by the body's own white blood cells. 3. Multiple sclerosis is more common in cooler areas of the globe. 4. In the United States, Northern states have higher rates of MS than Southern states, and Canada has a rate of MS double that of the US. 5. People with MS have times when they get new symptoms or their old symptoms become worse, this is called a relapse. 6. MS affects over 400,000 people in the United States and 2.5 million worldwide. 7. Many people with MS have been able to successfully manage their symptoms. 8. Although a multiple sclerosis diagnosis can have a major impact on your life, it doesn't have to mean the end of living well. 9. The types of MS include relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), secondary-progressive MS (SPMS), primary-progressive MS (PPMS), and progressive-relapsing MS (PRMS). 10. Each type has its own unique pattern of progression. 11. RRMS accounts for about 85% of all initial MS diagnoses. 12. People with RRMS have isolated relapses. 13. When not having a relapse, someone with RRMS is partially or completely without symptoms. 14. About 50% of people with RRMS develop SPMS. 15. This happens gradually, usually within 10 years of the initial MS diagnosis. 16. People with SPMS have fewer and fewer relapses, but begin to have constant, steadily worsening symptoms. 17. PPMS accounts for about 10% of MS diagnoses. 18. This type of MS is characterized by a slow and steady worsening of symptoms. 19. There are relapses in PPMS, but the worsening of symptoms may occasionally speed up, slow down, or even get better for a time. 20. PRMS affects about 5% of people with MS. It is characterized by steady worsening of symptoms and occasional relapses. 21. Although there are many common MS symptoms, no two people experience them the same way. 22. Often, multiple sclerosis is active on the nerve fibers that control muscle movement. 23. Many people with MS lose muscular strength in the arms and legs as the disease progresses. 24. Damage from MS can also result in poor balance or coordination. 25. People with MS may sometimes feel numbness or tingling, burning or cold in parts of the body. 26. There can also be pain in different parts of the body, including the face. 27. MS may cause extra strain in the back and leg muscles, or extra tension, known as "spasticity." 28. Many people with multiple sclerosis will develop trouble controlling the urge to urinate or will be unable to completely empty the bladder. 29. They may also experience problems with bowel control or constipation. 30. Having multiple sclerosis can lead to problems related to sexual activity. 31. Many people with MS experience fatigue or tiredness. 32. MS can have mental function symptoms such as memory lapses and slowed thinking. 33. People with MS may also have difficulty concentrating. 34. Many people with multiple sclerosis experience periods of depression. 35. Sometimes it is linked directly to physical changes in the brain caused by multiple sclerosis.
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Biogen,. "MS Information." //MS Active Source//. Elan, 2009. Web. 13 Sep. 2010. <[]>.