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What
is MS?
Multiple Sclerosis is the most common disease of the central
nervous system (brain and spinal cord) affecting young
adults in Canada. The cause is unknown, and there is no
cure although the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
is helping to find the answers by supporting medical research.
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called multiple because
- many
scattered areas are affected
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symptoms can be mild or severe, and come and
go unpredictably.
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It's called sclerosis because
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the disease involves "sclerosed" or
hardened tissue, otherwise known as scar tissue,
in damaged areas of the brain and spinal cord.
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Most
healthy nerves are insulated by myelin. In MS, the myelin
breaks down and is replaced by sclera (scar tissue). This
distorts and sometimes blocks the flow of messages. When
this happens, messages don't get through to the brain
correctly, or are sent to the wrong area.
Symptoms
may include visual problems, partial or complete paralysis,
loss of balance and coordination, and numbness. Early
symptoms usually go away without treatment, but as time
goes on they may become more severe.
Other
MS Facts:
- An
estimated 55,000-75,000 Canadians have MS -- one of the highest
rates in the world.
- MS
occurs more often in countries further away from the
equator.
- Three times more women than men develop MS.
- MS is not a mental illness, is not contagious, and is not preventable.
- Treatments
are available for some types of MS and for many MS
symptoms.
The
Toronto Chapter distributes booklets and brochures to
educate people about MS. If you would like us to send
you MS literature, or if you would like to distribute
literature from your doctor's office and/or workplace,
call the chapter at
(416) 922-6065.
For
more information and research updates, visit the MS Society
of Canada website at www.mssociety.ca
If
you or someone you know is newly diagnosed with MS, click
here.
VISION
STATEMENT
The
Toronto Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
aims "to maximize the quality of life for persons
with multiple sclerosis and their support network with
in the Toronto Chapter's geographical boundaries."
To
learn more.
The Toronto Chapter is a United Way member Agency
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