Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is thought to be an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS consists of the brain, spinal cord, and the optic nerves. Surrounding and protecting the nerve fibers of the CNS is a fatty tissue called myelin, which helps nerve fibers conduct electrical impulses.

In patients with MS, myelin is lost in multiple areas, leaving scar tissue called sclerosis. Sometimes the nerve fiber itself is damaged. When either situation occurs, the ability of the nerves to conduct electrical impulses to and from the brain is disrupted. This produces the various symptoms of MS, ranging from abnormal fatigue to loss of muscle coordination.
 
Approximately 400,000 Americans acknowledge having MS, with 200 people being diagnosed each week. Worldwide, MS may affect as many as 2.5 million individuals. For more information about MS, please visit http://www.nmss.org/