2014 World Multiple Sclerosis Day

World Multiple Sclerosis Day takes place on 28 May. This year, the theme of the day is equality of access for patients with this disease:¹ access to treatment, public transport, buildings, information, employment, etc.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system. This autoimmune disease affects approximately 1 person in 1,000, i.e. a total of approximately 70,000² people in France. The immune system, normally involved in the fight against viruses and bacteria, attacks the patient’s own cells. Myelin, the protective sheath surrounding the nerves, becomes progressively damaged by chronic inflammation, which consequently alters information transfer within the body.

Different Inserm research teams at the Brain and Spinal Cord Institute (ICM, Inserm Unit 1127) work on many aspects of this disorder, especially its genetics and disease mechanisms, the molecular and cellular aspects of myelin repair, etc. One team also specialises in the clinical component (management, treatment, clinical research, and therapeutic aspects). See contact details for the researchers in the “Contacts” box. See more news about MS.

For more information on multiple sclerosis, read our information pack.

¹ Source:  World MS Day website
² Source: ICM website