MS is caused by the destruction of the myelin sheath that surrounds certain neurons. This damage can slow down or even stop signals the neuron sends. These demyelinated axons can show other faults such as spontaneous discharging and an increased sensitivity.
The damaged myelin is due to inflammation, which is when the body's immune system perceives a threat and attacks. The exact reason why the body attacks the nervous system causing myelin damage is still unknown. However, two major hypothesis exist: the inside-out hypothesis and the outside-in hypothesis. The outside-in hypothesis is more commonly accepted. |