Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a long-lasting (chronic) disease of the central nervous system. It is thought to be an autoimmune disorder, a condition in which the body attacks itself by mistake. MS is an unpredictable disease that affects people differently. Some people with MS may have only mild symptoms. Others may lose their ability to see clearly, write, speak, or walk when communication between the brain and other parts of the body becomes disrupted.

Myelin is the fatty tissue that surrounds and protects nerve fibers. In MS, the myelin is destroyed in many areas. This loss of myelin forms scar tissue called sclerosis. These areas are also called plaques or lesions. When the nerves are damaged in this way, they can’t conduct electrical impulses to and from the brain.

What causes multiple sclerosis?

There are many possible causes of MS, including:

• Autoimmune disorders

• Infectious agents, such as viruses

• Environmental factors

• Genetic factors

What are the symptoms of multiple sclerosis?

The symptoms of MS are often unpredictable. They may be mild or severe, short-term or long-lasting. They may appear in different combinations, depending on the area of the nervous system affected. The following are the most common symptoms of MS. But each person may have different symptoms.

First symptoms of MS

The following are often the first symptoms of MS:

• Blurred or double vision

• Red-green color distortion

• Pain and loss of vision because of swelling of the optic nerve (optic neuritis)

• Trouble walking

• An abnormal feeling or pain, such as numbness, prickling, or pins and needles (paresthesia)

Other symptoms of multiple sclerosis

• Muscle weakness in the arms and legs

• Trouble with coordination. You may have problems walking or standing. You may also be partially or completely paralyzed.

• Spasticity. The involuntary increased tone of muscles leading to stiffness and spasms.

• Fatigue. This may be brought on by physical activity, but it may ease with rest. You may have constant tiredness that doesn't go away.

• Loss of sensation

• Speech problems

• Tremor

• Dizziness

• Hearing loss

• Bowel and bladder problems

• Depression

• Changes in sexual function

About 50% of all people with MS have thinking (cognitive) problems linked to the disease. The effects of these problems may be mild. Your healthcare provider may only find them after much testing. The problems may be with:

• Focusing (concentration)

• Attention

• Memory

• Poor judgment

Symptoms of MS are grouped as primary, secondary, or tertiary as described below:

The symptoms of MS may look like other health conditions or problems. Always talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is multiple sclerosis diagnosed?

No specific test is available to diagnose multiple sclerosis. But a healthcare provider can make a diagnosis by following a careful process to rule out other causes and diseases. Two things must be true to make a diagnosis of MS:

1. You must have had 2 attacks at least 1 month apart. An attack is when any MS symptoms show up suddenly. Or when any MS symptoms get worse for at least 24 hours.

2. You must have more than 1 area of damage to the central nervous system myelin. Myelin is the sheath that surrounds and protects nerve fibers. This damage must have occurred at more than 1 point in time and not have been caused by any other disease.

Generally a single attack along with certain patterns of changes in brain tissue seen on an MRI scan of the brain performed with contrast can mean that you have MS.

An MS evaluation involves a complete health history and neurological exam. This includes:

• Mental functions

• Emotional functions

• Language functions

• Movement and coordination

• Vision

• Balance

• Functions of the 5 senses

The following may be used when evaluating a person for multiple sclerosis:

• MRI. A diagnostic test that uses a combination of large magnets, sound waves, and a computer to make detailed pictures of organs and structures within the body. It can find plaques or scarring caused by MS.

• Evoked potentials. These tests record the brain's electrical response to visual, auditory, and sensory stimuli. These tests show if you have a slowing of messages in the different parts of the brain.

• Cerebral spinal fluid analysis. This is also called a spinal tap or lumbar puncture. It looks at the fluid taken from the spinal column to make an evaluation or diagnosis. This test checks for cellular and chemical abnormalities seen with MS.

• Blood tests. These are done to rule out other causes for various neurological symptoms.

Evaluation and diagnosis of MS requires a variety of tools to rule out other possible disorders. It also requires a series of lab tests that, if positive, confirms the diagnosis.

How is multiple sclerosis treated?

Your healthcare provider will figure out the best treatment plan for you based on:

• Your age, overall health, and past health

• How sick you are

• How well you can handle certain medicines, treatments, or therapies

• How long your condition is expected to last

• Your opinion or preference

There is no cure yet for MS. But you can do things to help change the course of the disease, treat flare-ups, manage symptoms, and improve your function and mobility.

Treatments for the conditions seen with MS may include:

• Medicines (talk with your provider to see what medicines may be an option for you)

• Equipment such as canes, braces, or walkers

• Rehabilitation activities

Rehabilitation varies depending on your symptoms and how severe they are. MS rehabilitation may help you to:

• Get back functions that are important for daily living

• Be as independent as you can

• Involve your family

• Make the right decisions relating to your care

• Learn about equipment like canes, braces, or walkers that can make is easier to move around

• Set up an exercise program that builds muscle strength, endurance, and control

• Get back motor skills

• Speak more easily if you have weakness or a lack of coordination of face and tongue muscles

• Manage bowel or bladder incontinence

• Relearn thinking skills

• Change the way your home is set up to keep you safe but allow you to move about as easily as possible

What are the complications of multiple sclerosis?

The complications of MS range from mild to severe. They can range from fatigue to the inability to walk. Other problems include loss of vision, balance, and bowel or bladder control. Depression can result from the difficulty of living with a chronic condition.

Living with multiple sclerosis

It's important to take your medicines as directed. You may get help by taking part in a clinical trial. Using equipment like canes or walkers can help you get around as walking becomes more difficult. Rehabilitation activities can also help you keep or get back functioning. Changing the way your home is set up can help you stay independent. Talk with your family and healthcare providers about what you need.

Key points

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system.

• MS is unpredictable. Some people may be only mildly affected. Others may lose the ability to see clearly, write, speak, or walk.

• Early symptoms can include vision problems, trouble walking, and tingling feelings.

• MS affects people differently. But common problems are trouble with movement and thinking, and bowel and bladder incontinence.

• Medicines and rehabilitation can help to keep or restore functioning.