Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive disease involving damage to the covering of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It is an autoimmune disease in which the spinal cord and brain are damaged by the body's own immune system causing loss of muscle control, vision, balance and sensation.

Both the spinal cord and the brain are a part of the central nervous system that coordinates all the activities of the body. With that destroyed even small activities such as walking and talking become difficult.

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, nearly 400,000 Americans suffer from MS. It affects mostly adults and middle aged people. After the age of 50 the risk to develop the disease declines. It also revealed that the condition was more common in females than in males.

Several celebrities also suffer from the disease. Jack Osbourne, Richard Cohe, Tamia and Chad Vaccarino are a few to mention. The causes for MS are still not known but WebMD states that among many other causes such as the environment and genetic fators, some studies have found that viruses such as Epstein-Barr (mononucleosis), varicella zoster, canine distemper, human herpes virus-6 and the hepatitis vaccine may be the probable causes, though it is not proven. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society state the same but say that they are not proven to trigger MS, but investigations are going on.

The symptoms of MS include muscle weakness, lack of coordination, blurry vision, eye pain and double vision. These are the initial symptoms as the autoimmune disease progresses that will cause muscle stiffness, severe pain, difficulty controlling urination, fatigue or problems with cognition.

Several people have gone through different kind of treatments. Chad Vaccarino and Jack Osbourne were following a Paleo diet that has helped them lead a normal life. Chad, the singer stated that he began following the diet after watching TEDTalk by Dr Terry Wahls. He said the diet was extremely beneficial and helped him reverse the symptoms of MS.

The R&B singer and wife of NBA star Grant Hill; Tamia was diagnosed with the disease in 2003. She too maintains a balanced diet and states that living with a professional athlete has motivated her to stay in shape. She said, "When a woman is pregnant, all her symptoms of MS subside. But you have to be careful because after you give birth, here's a higher rate of attacks."

There are several drugs and treatments to help those suffering from MS. In fact, a confrence called the MSBoston2014 is going to be held on Wednesday at the John Hynes Convention Center. It is going to be a major event with around 5,000 memebers attending it from around the world. The aim is to find a right treatment for the disease.

Jack Osbourne poses as he arrives for a screening of quotThe Bang Bang Clubquot
The son of Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne was frustrated about his disease but has found relief by following the Paleo diet which has several benefits. It has helped reduce the symptoms he said. Reuters
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and his wife Ann speak to supporters at his Florida primary election night rally
Romney told NBC’s Rock Center, "The flare-up of MS symptoms during the primaries is a reminder that I can’t keep up the pace." Reuters
Talk show host Montel Williams addresses the crowd
Williams followed a rigorous workout schedule and medication injections. That helped slow the progression of the disease. He also follows a healthy diet. His charity, the Montel Williams MS Fund, has raised more than $1.5 million for research toward a cure. Reuters
Tareq and Michaele Salahi pose at Halcyon House in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington
The Real Housewives of D.C. star had kept her disease a secret for 17 years.She maintains a minimum weight to avoid complications, she said. Reuters