Definition

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the brain and spinal cord. It is a long term condition that causes damage to the brain and spinal cord. There are several types of MS:

• Relapsing-remitting MS —New symptoms occur and worsen over a few days and weeks. This is called relapse. They last for a few weeks or months. This is followed by a period of no symptoms called remission. Symptoms may get worse with each occurrence.
• Primary progressive MS —Symptoms gradually worsen after they first appear. Relapses and remissions usually do not occur.
• Secondary progressive MS —Symptoms occur in relapses and remissions for years. Then symptoms suddenly begin to worsen.

Causes

MS is caused by a problem with the immune system. Parts of the immune system attack nerve fibers in the brain, spinal cord, and nerves to the eyes. The exact reason for these abnormal immune actions is not known. Things that may play a role in development of MS include:

• Issue with genes (can be passed down in families)
• Viral or other infection
• Environmental factors

Abnormal Immune Responses Cause Nerve Damage

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Risk Factors

MS is more common in women. It often first appears in people aged 15 to 50 years old. Other things that may increase your chance of MS include:

• Family members who have MS or other autoimmune disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus
• Being of Northern European descent
• Growing up in a colder climate, as opposed to a tropical climate
• Having certain immune system genes
• Having inflammation of the nerve to the eye
• Having low vitamin D levels
• Smoking

Symptoms

Symptoms may range from mild to severe and may include:

• Numbness or tingling in the face or limbs
• Sudden vision changes in one or both eyes, including blurred or double vision and loss of vision
• Eye pain
• Fatigue
• Lightheadedness
• Muscle weakness, stiffness, and spasms
• Trouble walking or maintaining balance, clumsiness, or falling
• Weakness in one or more limbs
• Bladder problems such as trouble with urgency, starting urination, or emptying; may also have loss of bladder control
• Bowel problems such as constipation
• Sexual dysfunction
• Slurred speech
• Difficulty swallowing
• Forgetfulness, memory loss, confusion, problems concentrating or solving problems
• Depression

Symptoms may worsen with:

• Heat, including weather, hot baths or showers, and fever
• Intense physical activity
• Infection

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. There is no test to confirm MS. Instead the doctor will rule out other conditions that cause similar problems. Tests may include:

• Blood tests—to rule out other diseases that may mimic MS
• MRI scan
• Lumbar puncture—sample and test of fluid around the brain and spinal cord
• Sensory evoked potentials—check how you respond to stimulus
• Visual evoked potential test —test the brain's response to what you see
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT)—to look at the eye and nerve to the eye

Treatment

There is no cure for MS. Treatment can help to ease symptoms and prevent or slow them from happening again. For primary and secondary progressive MS, treatment can also slow the progress of the disease. It may delay disability. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Options include:

Prevention

There are no current guidelines to prevent MS.