What is multiple sclerosis?

This article is the first in a series on multiple sclerosis. It describes how this neurological disease affects a person's level of abilities. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurological disease. MS is generally diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50years but can appear later and, in rare cases, children can be affected. The Multiple Sclerosis Society (2007) states ‘MS is the most common disabling neurological condition affecting young adults’. Around 85000 people in the UK have MS.