Multiple sclerosis, also known as MS, is one of humanity's most mysterious diseases. No one knows the exact cause and there is no exact treatment. Multiple sclerosis still has the potential to affect nearly 3 million people worldwide and at least 500,000 people in the United States (Boroch). This disease tends to be more common in individuals of Northern European descent, and women are more than twice as likely to develop multiple sclerosis than men. Of these 3 million people, the majority are between the ages of 20 and 50 (Dangond). Although multiple sclerosis is a mysterious disease, scientists are working to determine its exact cause and treatment. Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects different areas of the central nervous system, the central nervous system, the brain and the spinal cord (Dangond). Inside the central nervous system there are cells covered in protective myelin. In people with MS, the myelin sheaths around the cells begin to deteriorate and the nerve fibers, also known as axons, which are normally protected by myelin, end up being destroyed (Boroch). After a while the scar tissue is replaced where the myelin breaks down, hence the name multiple sclerosis or many scars (Boroch). When nerve fibers are destroyed they begin to lose the ability to conduct signals and communicate with other nearby nerve cells. Without this ability, the nerve cells that make up the central nervous system cannot communicate with the rest of the body (Blackstone). The loss or slowing of these signals impairs functions such as vision, strength and coordination. Scientists don't know exactly what causes the damage to nerve cells, but they believe it may be caused by an individual's confusion... middle of paper... (Stauffer). The good news is that the technology has thrived over the years, and scientists are trying to determine new treatments every day. It won't be long before a known cause and an effective treatment are found. It is important that people suffering from multiple sclerosis do not give up because a cure will come. Works Cited Blackstone, Margaret. The First Year: Multiple Sclerosis: An Essential Guide for New Patients. 2nd ed. New York: Marlowe, 2007. Print.Boroch, Ann. Healing multiple sclerosis: diet, detoxification and nutritional renewal for total recovery. Los Angeles: Quintessential Healing, 2007. Print.Dangond, MD, Fernando. “MedicineNet.com.” MedicineNet. Network. March 20, 2012. .Stauffer, Melissa. Understanding multiple sclerosis. Jackson: University of Mississippi, 2006. Print.