National MS Society

 

 

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body.  MS is considered to be an immune-mediated disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks myelin in the central nervous system. 

The normal immune system is a complex system that protects our bodies from infections.  Our skin, lungs and gut have cells that help to protect us. There are also many other cells of the immune system that are called to action if we become infected with a bacteria, virus or parasite. 
 
Two important types of immune system cells are types of white blood cells, or lymphocytes. These are called to action by signals in the immune system that let them know a foreign invader is present. B cells, (so-called because they develop in bone marrow) recognize certain types of foreign cells and produce antibodies. The “T cells” (so-called because they develop in a small organ called the thymus gland) are responsible for a variety of other immune responses.

Multiple sclerosis is considered to be an immune-mediated disease in which the body's immune system attacks the central nervous system (CNS). Most MS experts believe it to be an autoimmune disease, although no specific antigens (proteins that stimulate the immune system) have been identified in MS.

Symptoms 

  • Fatigue

    Occurs in about 80% of people, can significantly interfere with the ability to function at home and work, and may be the most prominent symptom in a person who otherwise has minimal activity limitations.

  • Walking (Gait) Difficulties

    Related to several factors including weakness, spasticity, loss of balance, sensory deficit and fatigue, and can be helped by physical therapy, assistive therapy and medications.

  • Numbness or Tingling

    Numbness of the face, body, or extremities (arms and legs) is often the first symptom experienced by those eventually diagnosed as having MS.

  • Spasticity

    Refers to feelings of stiffness and a wide range of involuntary muscle spasms; can occur in any limb, but it is much more common in the legs.

  • Weakness

    Weakness in MS, which results from deconditioning of unused muscles or damage to nerves that stimulate muscles, can be managed with rehabilitation strategies and the use of mobility aids and other assistive devices.

  • Vision Problems

    The first symptom of MS for many people. Onset of blurred vision, poor contrast or color vision, and pain on eye movement can be frightening — and should be evaluated promptly.

  • Dizziness and Vertigo

    People with MS may feel off balance or lightheaded, or — much less often — have the sensation that they or their surroundings are spinning (vertigo).

  • Bladder Problems

    Bladder dysfunction, which occurs in at least 80% of people with MS, can usually be managed quite successfully with medications, fluid management, and intermittent self-catheterization.

  • Sexual Problems

    Very common in the general population including people with MS. Sexual responses can be affected by damage in the central nervous system, as well by symptoms such as fatigue and spasticity, and by psychological factors.

  • Bowel Problems

    Constipation is a particular concern among people with MS, as is loss of control of the bowels. Bowel issues can typically be managed through diet, adequate fluid intake, physical activity and medication.

  • Pain & Itching

    Pain syndromes are common in MS. In one study, 55% of people with MS had "clinically significant pain" at some time, and almost half had chronic pain.

  • Cognitive Changes

    Refers to a range of high-level brain functions affected in more than 50% of people with MS, including the ability to process incoming information, learn and remember new information, organize and problem-solve, focus attention and accurately perceive the environment.

  • Emotional Changes

    Can be a reaction to the stresses of living with MS as well as the result of neurologic and immune changes. Significant depression, mood swings, irritability, and episodes of uncontrollable laughing and crying pose significant challenges for people with MS and their families.

  • Depression

    Studies have suggested that clinical depression — the severest form of depression — is among the most common symptoms of MS. It is more common among people with MS than it is in the general population or in persons with many other chronic, disabling conditions.

Diagnosis

 In order to make a diagnosis of MS, the physician must:

  • Find evidence of damage in at least two separate areas of the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves AND
  • Find evidence that the damage occurred at different points in time AND
  • Rule out all other possible diagnoses

Treatment

Today multiple sclerosis (MS) is not a curable disease. Effective strategies can help modify or slow the disease course, treat relapses (also called attacks or exacerbations), manage symptoms, improve function and safety, and address emotional health.

The model of comprehensive MS care involves the expertise of many different healthcare professionals — each contributing in a unique way to the management of the disease and the symptoms it can cause. Sometimes this team works within a single center, offering you “one-stop shopping”. More often, you are referred by your MS physician to other specialists in the community. In either case, the goal is comprehensive, coordinated care to manage the disease and promote comfort, function, independence, health and wellness.

For most people with MS, the neurologist functions as the leader of the team. As a specialist in diseases of the nervous system, it is the neurologist’s job to make the MS diagnosis, identify treatment strategies and coordinate these treatment efforts with other members of the team.

Supporting The Cause for a Cure

Donate

Give now to help create a world free of MS. Your gift will help fund cutting-edge research, drive change through advocacy, facilitate professional education, and provide programs and services to help people with MS move their lives forward.

https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Donate

Join Walk MS

Ending multiple sclerosis for good will take all of us. It’s why Walk MS matters so much. And it’s why you matter so much. Walk MS helps us team up with friends, loved ones and co-workers to change the world for everyone affected by MS.

https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Get-Involved