However, researchers believe multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory process that attacks a substance in the nervous system called myelin. Myelin is an important substance. It surrounds the the cells in the nervous system and facilitates rapid transmission of signals up and down neurons. When myelin is broken down, nerve impulses travel slower, causing symptoms that are characteristic of Multiple Sclerosis. MS causes symptoms and signs that vary unpredictably over decades, and may relapse, progress, or undergo spontaneous remission.
Symptoms vary greatly depending on the site of inflammation.
In general they affect sensory or motor function causing patients to experience fatigue, numbness, tremor, loss of vision, pain, paralysis, loss of balance, and bladder and bowel dysfunction, painful muscle spasms and numbness in the entire body. Men may experience erectile disfunction. Women may have a loss of libido or difficulty reaching orgasm. Multiple sclerosis attacks can last for more than 24 hours. Symptoms may be triggered by exercise, exertion, or with increased body temperatures.