History of ms

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and unpredictable disease of the central nervous system (CNS), that produces mental and physical symptoms that may relapse, remit, and/or worsen over time.

It's been more than 100 years since researchers and physicians first began describing the damage to the brain and spinal cord in people with symptoms of MS. In the 19th century, French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot examined nerve fibers under the microscope and noticed unusual plaques, or lesions, in the nerve fibers that send messages to and from the brain and spinal cord. He identified a pattern of symptoms that seemed to appear and disappear over a period of time. One day they were present, another day they were not.

Much progress has been made in understanding the disease, but the exact cause is still unknown. New methods of diagnosis and treatment have improved the long-term outcome for many people living with MS.

But much more work needs to be done. Studies are currently underway examining the genetic aspects of MS, factors that trigger symptoms, and ways to keep the disease from progressing. MS can't be stopped or cured at this time, but new drug therapies that modify the progress of the disease, not available even ten years ago, are improving the quality of life for people with MS.