What is MS?

Disease of the central nervous system

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most frequent central nervous system disease that affects young and middle aged people.

In MS the protective insulation, or myelin that surrounds nerve fibres becomes inflamed/damaged and scarring occurs. The disease activity interrupts the conduction of nerve impulses. Depending on which nerve fibres are targeted by the disease a range of symptoms and various degrees of disability can result.

A cure for MS is yet to be discovered. Current treatments for MS are aimed at managing symptoms and delaying the progression of the disease. 75% of people with MS are women and the average age of onset is 20-40 years.

You can learn more about Multiple Sclerosis at MS Australia or via information provided on our Resources pages.