Multiple sclerosis or MS is a disease that affects the central nervous system and can cause disability. In this condition, the immune system attacks the protective sheath of the nerve fibers known as myelin. This causes an interruption in the communication between the brain and the body. As the condition progresses, it can cause permanent damage to the nerves.

Read on to know more about the causes and symptoms of the condition.

Causes of MS
The exact cause of MS is yet to be known. However, according to scientists, four factors increase the chances of a person developing MS. These include the following:

1. Malfunctioning of the immune system
MS occurs when the immune system does not function properly or starts attacking the central nervous system. It is also called an autoimmune disease. In such diseases, the immune system identifies parts of the healthy tissue as foreign invaders such as a virus or bacteria. This leads the immune system to attack healthy tissue in the body.

2. Genes
Several genes are thought to contribute to the development of MS. A person’s chances of developing MS are higher if he has a family member, such as a parent or a sibling, suffering from the condition.

3. Environmental factors
Things that surround us can also have a role to play in the development of the condition. Some of these include air pollution, less exposure to the sun, and coming in contact with organic solvents.

Common symptoms of MS
The first symptoms of MS come from the damage caused to the protective sheath of the nerve fibers. Some of the common symptoms experienced include the following:

1. Eyesight problems
Problems with vision are some of the most common symptoms associated with MS. The inflammation caused due to the disease affects the optic nerve, which leads to disruption in the vision. As a result, vision loss or blurred vision is caused.

2. Numbness and tingling sensation
The condition affects the spinal cord and the brain, which are the central message centers of the body. Demyelination can affect the sensory nerves present in the spinal cord. As a result, the sensation which you experience upon touching something starts to diminish. This can interfere with the ability to walk or perform any task that requires hands. Experiencing numbness and tingling sensation are some of the most common early signs of MS.

3. Pain
Pain and spasms in the muscles are also another set of symptoms commonly associated with the condition. Pain can be caused due to demyelination. Sometimes, the symptoms themselves can be leading to secondary pain. Neuropathic pain is associated with MS. This is acute pain which is caused due to miscommunication of the signals sent to the brain.