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What is MS?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body.

WILLIAM
diagnosed in 2002

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that impacts the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves, which make up the central nervous system and controls everything we do. The exact cause of MS is unknown, but we do know that something triggers the immune system to attack the CNS. The resulting damage to myelin, the protective layer insulating wire-like nerve fibers, disrupts signals to and from the brain. This interruption of communication signals causes unpredictable symptoms such as numbness, tingling, mood changes, memory problems, pain, fatigue, blindness and/or paralysis. Everyone’s experience with MS is different and these losses may be temporary or long lasting.

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Central Nervous System

What is MS?

A detailed view of MS-related damage in the central nervous system that results in the varied and unpredictable symptoms of the disease.
 

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Newly Diagnosed

Newly Diagnosed Information

If you or a loved one have recently been diagnosed with MS, you may not even know where to begin and what this means in terms of the rest of your life. We want you to know that you are not alone.

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No One Has to Face MS Alone

From connecting with others affected by MS in your community to participating in fundraising events or giving financially – find your place in the MS movement.

Walk MS
Walk MS connects people living with MS and those who care about them. When you participate in this community event, the funds you raise give hope to everyone impacted by MS.

Walk MS

Walk MS
© 2024 The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is a tax exempt 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Its Identification Number (EIN) is 13-5661935.