The central nervous system is made of numerous cells called neurons. Neuron consists of 2 parts - cyton (cell body) and axon. The axon is covered by myelin, which helps in the conduction of nerve impulses or signals between the neurons. In multiple sclerosis, myelin in certain parts of the central nervous system is destroyed thereby impairing the conduction of nerve impulses.

The exact cause of MS is not known, but some factors like immunity and genes are thought to play a role. 

Imagine participating in a meeting while lying in bed. This is reality for 35-year-old Smitha Sadasivan, who has Multiple Sclerosis, an autoimmune condition. Her reality has been exhaustion, physical pain, vision problems and many other issues. But this M.Phil holder, who works for an NGO and is a disability rights activist, refuses to give up. Her story. 

Many patients can be overwhelmed, surprised, or simply anxious when they are first diagnosed with relapsing multiple sclerosis. One doctor shares how he helps patients understand more about their condition during these first steps in their MS journey.

Some aspects you can talk to your doctor about are :

• Understand the diagnosis
• Treatment options and side effects
• Impact on work, family life, day to day living
• Prognosis
• Research opportunities

Falls are a serious concern for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, in which the body’s immune system attacks the protective covering or sheath surrounding nerve fibers.  The risk for serious head and extremity injuries can increase with the duration of the disease.

As disruption of balance is both a common and debilitating symptom of MS, initiatives to reduce the incidence of falls would be welcomed by patients and medical providers.