Multiple sclerosis is a relatively rare condition although is the most common neurological disorder in young adults. There are four recognised types of MS.

• Benign
• Relapsing / remitting
• Primary progressive
• Secondary progressive

Multiple sclerosis often leads to very complex healthcare needs with each patient unique in his or her symptoms and healthcare needs. The disease is variable and unpredictable in its effects and symptoms throughout the duration of the illness.

Multiple sclerosis is diagnosed in 3.5-6.6 people per 100,000 of the population each year. Prevalence varies from 100-120 per 100,000 of the population equivalent to approximately 59,000 to 71,000 people living with MS in the UK, however, it is estimated that there may be as many as 85,000 people.

Multiple sclerosis is more common in temperate climates such as the UK than in tropical regions and affects slightly more women than men. Scotland is reported to have the highest prevalence in the world. MS is most frequently diagnosed between 20 to 40 years old; rarely below 12 or over 55 years of age.

The most common type of MS at diagnosis is relapsing /remitting which accounts for approximately 55% of all cases. This type is typified by acute disease attacks separated by variable lengths of stable periods.

Multiple sclerosis is not contagious or hereditary; however there is a slight elevated risk if a relative has MS. One theory states that the presence of certain genes makes some people susceptible and is then triggered by a virus.

Multiple sclerosis is considered to be an auto-immune disease where a subset of white blood cells (T Cells) attack and damage the myelin sheath surrounding nerve cells thus interfering with function and information transmission.

The most common symptoms are tiredness, pain, problems with sight, coordination and mobility. A recent survey of 2265 UK MS patients revealed that 82% considered spasticity as a problem with 54% considering that the spasticity had a moderate to high impact on their quality of life.