Multiple Sclerosis

It is a disease of the central nervous system.The symptoms of this disease is myelin (fatty insulating sheathes protecting nerve fibres) becomes damaged and scarred. It affects a person's motor, sensory and even cognitive functions. The causes of Multiple sclerosis are genetic and environmental factors. The impact and symptoms of Multiple sclerosis depends on a person's ability to participate in everyday activities different from person to person.

Prevalence rates vary around the UK. Based on the estimate of 107,000 people with MS in 2012, it is estimated that the number of people with MS in England is around 165 per 100,000; in Wales about 140; about 174 in Northern Ireland and as high as 212 in Scotland. Prevalence in the north of Scotland is particularly high. A study of north east Scotland found the level per 100,000 people in 2009 to be 229 in Aberdeen, 295 in Shetland and 402 in Orkney.

Treatment usually includes steroid medications such as Orason, Deltason, Prednison, Methylprednisolone or others which can speed up the persons vision recovery time. While treatment with steroids may have little effect on the end visual outcome of people with optic neuritis, people who are under medication with intravenous steroids have the risk of developing multiple sclerosis in two years when compared to people who do not receive such treatment.