Multiple Sclerosis

Medical Author: Fernando Dangond, MD
Medical Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD

• What is multiple sclerosis?
• What causes multiple sclerosis?
• Is multiple sclerosis inherited?
• What are the types of multiple sclerosis?
• What are the symptoms of multiple sclerosis?
• How is multiple sclerosis diagnosed?
• How is multiple sclerosis treated?
  • Interferon
  • Other medications
• How are the manifestations of multiple sclerosis treated?
• What are the future directions for managing multiple sclerosis?
• Multiple Sclerosis At A Glance
• Related multiple sclerosis articles:
  Multiple sclerosis - on WebMD
• Read what your doctor is reading:
  Multiple sclerosis - on Medscape

What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease in which the nerves of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) degenerate. Myelin, which provides a covering or insulation for nerves, improves the conduction of impulses along the nerves and also is important for maintaining the health of the nerves. In multiple sclerosis, inflammation causes the myelin to eventually disappear. Consequently, the electrical impulses that travel along the nerves decelerate, that is, become slower. In addition, the nerves themselves are damaged. As more and more nerves are affected, a patient experiences a progressive interference with functions that are controlled by the nervous system such as vision, speech, walking, writing, and memory.

About 350,000 people in the U.S. have multiple sclerosis. Usually, a patient is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis between 20 and 50 years of age, but multiple sclerosis has been diagnosed in children and in the elderly. Multiple sclerosis is twice as likely to occur in Caucasians as in any other group. Women are twice as likely as men to be affected by multiple sclerosis earlier in life.

Multiple Sclerosis - Symptoms at Onset of Disease

The MedicineNet physician editors ask:

The symptoms of multiple sclerosis can vary greatly from patient to patient. What were your symptoms at the onset of your disease?

Anonymously share your comment to help others.
See 23 Viewer Comments

Submit Your Comment

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

glatiramer-injection, Copaxone Source:First DataBank, Inc. natalizumab-injection, Tysabri Source:First DataBank, Inc. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan) - Medical information on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) used in detecting structural abnormalities of the body. Learn uses, risks, and how to prepare for an MRI scan Source:MedicineNet Read 218 more Multiple Sclerosis related articles ... Brain Lesions Predict MS Progression Prozac Reduces Disease Activity in MS Patients Most Early-Onset Dementia Not Alzheimer's Autoimmune Disease Treatment May Not Dampen Immune System Pediatric MS Affects Thinking, Memory An Alternative to Medicinal Marijuana Food as Medicine? Cancer Drug Appears to Help With Aggressive MS Health Tip: Understanding Autoimmune Diseases Human Stem Cell Transplant Helps Brain-Impaired Mice