MS is not contagious. MS is not directly hereditary, although genetic susceptibility plays a part in its development. In MS, the protective myelin covering of the nerve fibres in the central nervous system is damaged. MS is more common in countries further from the equator. Diagnosis of MS is generally between 20 and 40 years of age, although onset may be earlier.
Symptoms vary a great deal according to where the damage is situated in the nervous system.
Many of the symptoms can be successfully managed and treated. This is the web site of the International Federation of Multiple Sclerosis Societies. It's main purpose is to provide information about MS societies in various countries including a link to their web sites, if they have any. It also has general information and news regarding the disease. This is the web site of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society which is the MS society for the United States.