Multiple Sclerosis is a neurological condition brought about by the degradation of the protective sheath around the nerves of the central nervous system (CNS). This protective sheath known as myelin is attacked by the body's immune system causing areas of damage called plaques or lesions in a process known as demyelination.

There isn't a definitive answer to this. It is thought that there may be a genetic or hereditary element giving rise to a predisposition to the condition. It is also believed that diet and virus' may play a part. A less popular theory is that mercury poisoning could be a major contributor in some patients.

Usually with difficulty. The symptoms of MS can vary greatly especially in the early stages. It is very difficult for a GP, even one familiar with MS, to associate the early symptoms specifically with multiple sclerosis as these symptoms could have many other possible causes. Once MS is suspected you will be referred to a Neurologist who will conduct a number of tests designed to test reflexes and other sensory reactions.

There is NO known cure, although there are a number of treatments which may reduce the severity of the symptoms.

There is no straight-forward answer to this. Every multiple sclerosis sufferer will experience different symptoms to differing degrees. Common symptoms are impaired vision, loss of hearing, tiredness, loss of motor control in the arms and/or legs (spasticity) and muscle spasm or cramps and pains.

The most common therapy for an attack, also called an exacerbation, is the use of steroids. Steroids reduce the swelling and permit more rapid healing. Long term symptoms (e.g., fatigue, bladder and sexual dysfunction, depression) can be addressed with medications and therapies, many of which are not specific to Multiple Sclerosis. Research continues on drugs that might be effective in slowing the progress of the disease.

From the National MS Society site: "MS is thought to be an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS consists of the brain, spinal cord, and the optic nerves. Surrounding and protecting the nerve fibers of the CNS is a fatty tissue called myelin, which helps nerve fibers conduct electrical impulses. In MS, myelin is lost in multiple areas, leaving scar tissue called sclerosis. These damaged areas are also known as plaques or lesions.

Multiple sclerosis can occur at any age. It is usually diagnosed between the ages of 15 to 40, during the career and family building years. It can make its first appearance in young children and in older adults. MS is more than three times as likely to occur in women than in men and is seen most commonly in people of northern European background.

MS is not a fatal disease for the vast majority of people with MS. Most people who have MS can expect to live a normal or near normal life span, thanks to improvements in the treatment of symptoms and in other therapies for people with MS. Most people are diagnosed with the relapsing-remitting form of MS. Over time, some people in this category develop secondary-progressive MS while others may have mild attacks but do not worsen. They are considered to have benign MS.