Final answer:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is hazardous because it hinders the speed of electrical signaling in the nervous system due to damage to the myelin sheaths, leading to a wide array of symptoms and physical or cognitive impairment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Demyelination disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS) are particularly dangerous because they make electrical signaling slower. This slowdown occurs because the myelin sheaths that insulate the nerve fibers within the central nervous system become damaged. MS is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin, leading to inflammation, scar formation, and a variety of symptoms, including muscle weakness, balance issues, and cognitive deficits. Given MS's autoimmune nature, lymphocytes play a role by producing antibodies that mark myelin for destruction, resulting in compromised control of musculature and bodily functions such as bladder control. New lesions can occur over time, causing further impairment.
The impact of MS on the nervous system interrupts the normal operation of the axons, affecting the health and function of the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms resulting from this interruption include fatigue, vision problems, neuropathy, and potentially disabling physical and cognitive consequences. Without a cure, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and slowing progression.