A to Z of MS Blood-brain barrier
The central nervous system and the cerebrospinal fluid are surrounded by a semi-permeable layer of cells called the blood-brain barrier. This allows the cerebrospinal fluid to drain into the blood and carry away potentially harmful substances but prevents larger molecules circulating in the blood from reaching the central nervous system where they may cause damage.
In MS, the blood-brain barrier is breached, allowing elements in the immune system to attack and damage nerves.
Find out more
If this information doesn't answer your questions, please email the MS Trust Information Service or ring us on 01462 476700.
