Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a highly disabling ailment in which the immune system attacks the myelin sheath which covers the nerve fibers, leading to irregularities in communication between the brain and rest of the body. Eventually, MS can lead to permanent damage to the nerves.

Myelin can be compared to the insulation coating present on electrical wires. When this myelin sheath gets damaged, the nerve fiber gets exposed. Also, the messages that travel along the nerve may be blocked or slowed.

The signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis depend upon the amount and type of nerve damaged. There is no cure for the condition. Treatments can only help in speeding up the recovery from attacks and reducing the severity of symptoms.

Causes of multiple sclerosis
The exact cause of this autoimmune disease is not known. Certain environmental and genetic factors can be held responsible for the same.

There are some risk factors that can increase your likelihood of developing the disease. These risk factors include:

• Age: Although multiple sclerosis can occur at any stage, it is most likely to affect people between the ages of 15 and 60.
• Sex: Women are much more likely to develop MS as compared to men.
• Family history: If any one of your parent or your sibling is suffering from MS, you are at a greater risk of developing it.
• Certain infections: Many viruses have been associated with MS. For instance the virus Epstein-Barr, which leads to mononucleosis infections.
• Climate: The cases of MS are much more prevalent in countries having temperate climates, such as New Zealand, Canada, Australia, and Europe.
• Other autoimmune diseases: If you are suffering from an autoimmune disease such as type 1 diabetes, thyroid or inflammatory bowel syndrome, you are at a higher risk of developing MS.
• Smoking: Smoking also greatly increases the risk of developing this disease.

Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis
There are no particular tests for diagnosing the condition. In fact, the diagnosis of this condition is often done by ruling out other diseases that may cause similar symptoms. This is known as a differential diagnosis.

Your doctor will most likely begin with examining your medical history. Following that, he may ask you to undergo:

• Blood tests: This helps in ruling out the probabilities of other diseases.
• Lumbar puncture: This test involves removing a small sample of fluid from the spinal canal. This can be helpful in checking for any abnormalities in antibodies related to MS.
• MRI: This is used for revealing areas of MS (abrasions) on the brain and spinal cord.
• Evoked potential tests: This test involves recording electrical signals produced by the brain in response to visual or electrical stimuli. The attached electrodes help in measuring the speed at which the information travels down the nerve pathways.

Diagnosing multiple sclerosis is not very easy, especially in people with atypical symptoms or progressive disease. Thus, it is advisable to consult a good and reputed neurologist who can help in identifying the underlying cause behind your symptoms.