Skip to content
For U.S. Residents Only Sanofi

Normal neuron vs RMS neuron

Normal Neuron Normal Neuron
RMS Neuron RMS Neuron

Neuron

Neurons (or nerve cells) form connections and networks in the central nervous system (CNS).

Axon

Each neuron has a long fiber called an axon that carries messages.

Myelin

Myelin coats and protects the axon and helps signals travel efficiently.

Damaged Myelin

When myelin is damaged by RMS, the signals traveling along your nerve cells slow down. This damage affects messages (or nerve impulses) that tell other parts of the body what to do.

Once the myelin around the nerve is completely gone, the signal may become blocked altogether. This means messages between your brain and the rest of your body can become disrupted, and it’s this disruption that eventually leads to the various symptoms of RMS. It’s also why RMS symptoms can be so unpredictable, because there is no way of knowing which messages might be affected.

Boosting your brain health knowledge

Did you know that leading a healthy lifestyle can help protect your brain? Here are some strategies you can use to promote good brain health.

There are several types of healthcare professionals that can help you understand how well your current treatment is working, monitor the progression of your condition, and give you other ideas on how to keep your brain healthy.

Looking after your physical health with higher levels of aerobic fitness could help you preserve brain tissue volume. This means that the more physically active you are, the better your chances are of preserving your brain health.

Cigarette smoking increases risk of development and progression of RMS. It also may cause development of antibodies that lower the effectiveness of certain treatments. Visit www.smokefree.gov for assistance with quitting smoking.

Reading. Learning a new language. Taking up a new creative hobby. Any activity that challenges your mind can help protect against cognitive problems in RMS when pursued over a lifetime.

Higher levels of stress may be associated with an increased risk of developing some types of lesions. Prioritizing some “me time” and relaxation is important in keeping the brain in good condition.

Staying on top of vitamin D intake can help boost brain health. People with RMS who are lacking in vitamin D have more exacerbations and are more at risk of progression than those who have sufficient vitamin D.

Gear icon

Next Up: Processing an RMS diagnosis

Get insights on what to keep in mind after a diagnosis.

Find Out More
Notebook icon

Track and make a
difference

Easily track your symptoms so you can better manage your condition.

See Symptom Tracker