Multiple sclerosis, commonly abbreviated as MS, is a chronic disease affecting tissues of the brain and spinal cord, resulting in degenerative physical disability. Signs and symptoms of MS include muscle spasms, muscle weakness, tingling or prickling sensations, depression, mood swings, fatigue, changes in speech, changes in vision, chronic pain, psychological changes and loss of cognitive ability. Doctors are unsure of exactly what causes multiple sclerosis, but genetic and environmental factors, such as stress, smoking and a lack of vitamin D, are believed to create an elevated risk of developing the disease. Multiple sclerosis affects more women than men, and it is currently incurable.
