MS is a chronic, autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that leads to permanent neurological damage. It is named after the plaques circumscribed in the white matter, which are harder to the touch than their surroundings and form as a result of reparative processes following myelin destruction. Demyelination causes lesions of axons. As a result of myelin destruction, the transmission of information between nerve cells slows down, which can lead to a feeling of weakness and coordination disorders in the limbs. In more severe cases, the nerve fibre itself is damaged, which can block communication between cells completely. In such cases, the patient may become immobile. The early symptoms may improve spontaneously and then return in flare-ups at irregular intervals, with unpredictable and varied combinations of symptoms. The occurrence is cumulative in temperate Europe. It most commonly develops between the ages of 20 and 40. The ratio of female to male patients is 3:2. It may be important to stress that MS does not significantly reduce life expectancy, so long-term complex treatment and, if possible, rehabilitation and lifestyle changes to maximise remaining capabilities should be prepared.

The course of MS is unpredictable, varies from patient to patient and can change over time.

• Relapsing-remitting: this is the most common presentation. It is the most common type of MS. It alternates between relatively healthy episodes (remitting) and relapses at unpredictable times, with new symptoms or worsening of old ones.
• Primer progressive: Slow-onset symptoms gradually worsen, disability reaches a certain level and may remain at the same level for months or years.
• Secondary progressive: after repeated relapses, symptoms do not improve, ending in disability.
• Progressive relapsing: A neurological condition that steadily deteriorates. There may also be relapses, after which the original condition often does not recover.
• Benign MS: MRI scans may find incidental white matter lesions without patients having any previous complaints or neurological symptoms. Patients do not reach a higher degree of disability in the long term.
• Malignant MS Patients become severely debilitated in the first 5 years and the course of the disease can lead to a high degree of disability.

The most common symptoms of the disease are:

• Sensory disturbances- disturbances of sensation, paraesthesia, i.e. numbness, tingling in different parts of the body;
• Motor coordination disorders - limb weakness, muscle and spinal pain, increased muscle tone, limited mobility;
• Visual disturbances - visual impairment, double vision;  
• Pyramidal tract impairment - muscle weakness, spasm, abnormal reflexes;
• Cerebellar symptoms - balance and gait disturbance, loss of coordination which can make voluntary movement impossible;
• Mood and cognitive disturbances - psychiatric symptoms, cognitive impairment, memory and concentration problems, spatial and temporal disorientation, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbance;
• Vegetative symptoms - urinary and defecation disorders, sexual dysfunction.
• Vegetative symptoms affect about 90% of people with MS.

Neuro-urological dysfunctions: the regulation of urination and voiding is carried out by superimposed centres, from the spinal cord through the brain stem to the cerebral cortex. Depending on which of these centres is affected, two types of dysfunction are distinguished: urinary retention or voiding difficulties.

• Urinary retention disorders: at the back of which is detrusor hyperreflexia (neurogenic bladder). Increased detrusor function causes frequent and urgent urge to urinate and nocturia. Its severity is usually paralleled by the presence of movement disability and pyramidal symptoms.
• Dysfunction of the detrusor and sphincter muscles: The background is a disturbance of the coordinated function of the detrusor and sphincter muscles. Symptoms: difficult urination, urinary retention, overflow incontinence. Disturbances in urinary retention and voiding can often lead to depression and social isolation, either temporary or permanent. Patients are reluctant to talk about these symptoms because they affect their intimacy.
• Sexual dysfunction: common in both sexes, although rare at the onset of the disease. The majority of women complain of reduced libido (anorgasmia), while men may experience mainly erectile problems.

Traditional remedies:

• medication
• bladder training
• intermittent self-catheterisation
• permanent catheter
• surgery

Alternative treatment options:

• pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation - exercises of the pelvic floor muscles with or without biofeedback
• exercise of the pelvic floor muscles with an electrostimulator
• Kriston Intimate Training®

With the Kriston Method, pelvic floor muscle exercises can be learnt step-by-step in a 12-16 hour group training session by anyone of any age with a healthy nerve-muscle connection, and then done in the comfort of your own home, on a daily basis, at any time.

It can be recommended for the following types of MS (disease progression stages) as long as the nerve-muscle connection is not compromised by demyelination:

• Mild to relapsing-remitting MS - in relatively mild episodes;
• Primary progressive SM - in the initial stages of the disease;
• Benign SM.

In addition to muscle development, the Kriston Method teaches habits and motivational stories to get patients out of a negative emotional state. Due to its unique nature of generating emotional relief, it has a powerful "transformative" effect, helping to release limiting emotions. It creates complex effects to improve quality of life. It can generate significant organic, functional and psychological change. It empowers people with MS to see what they can do for themselves.