Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis, degenerative disease of the brain and spinal cord in which myelin sheath around nerve fibers is destroyed. Its cause is unknown, although slow viruses, abnormal allergy to viruses, and abnormalities of fats are suspected. It particularly affects young adults. Episodic symptoms are blurring of vision, double vision, vertigo, paralysis, muscular weakness, and bladder disturbance. Symptoms can disappear and recur over a remission of many years. Steroids, certain dietary foods, and drugs acting on muscles and bladder spasticity can help. The course of the disease is extremely variable, some subjects having only a few mild attacks, others progressing rapidly to permanent disability and dependency.