Multiple Sclerosis
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
What is multiple sclerosis (MS)?
MS is a disease that leads to inflammation and damage to parts of your central nervous system (CNS). The CNS includes your brain, spinal cord, and nerves. MS causes your immune system to attack and destroy the coating (myelin) that covers your nerves. This may cause problems with how you feel, move, and see.
What increases my risk for MS?
The cause of MS is unknown. MS is more common in women and young adults. The following may increase your risk for MS:
- A family history of MS
- Viral infections such as Epstein-Barr or herpes simplex virus
- Cigarette smoking
- Living somewhere with small amounts of sunlight
What are the signs and symptoms of MS?
The signs and symptoms of MS depend on where the damage is in the CNS. They may vary from person to person and from time to time in the same person. The most common signs and symptoms of MS include:
- Extreme tiredness even with plenty of rest (fatigue)
- Difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels
- Blurred or double vision or dizziness
- Depression, mood swings, or difficulty controlling emotions
- Muscle weakness, cramps, or spasms
- Numbness or tingling usually felt in the arms and legs
- Problems with sexual function such as difficulty having or maintaining an erection
What are the types of MS?
- Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) is the most common type of MS. It has quiet and active periods. The quiet periods are called remissions. During remissions you may have little or no symptoms. Remission may last for months or years. During an active period, or relapse of MS, your symptoms may get worse.
- Primary progressive MS (PPMS) is when you have a slow or steady worsening of symptoms. There are no periods of remission.
- Secondary progressive MS (SPMS) begins with few or no symptoms. It is then followed by a steadily worsening disease. Periods of remission become less frequent over time.
- Progressive-relapsing MS (PRMS) is when the disease gets worse from the start or onset of MS. You may have times when symptoms improve, but no remission periods.
How is MS diagnosed?
- No specific tests can diagnose MS. You may need an MRI to take pictures of your brain. You may be given contrast liquid to help the pictures show up better. Tell a healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell a healthcare provider if you have any metal in or on your body.
- You may need other tests to make sure that your symptoms are not caused by other illnesses. Tell your healthcare provider about your symptoms and when they started. Also tell him or her if you have other family members with MS.
How is MS managed?
There is no cure for MS. You may need any of the following:
- Medicines may be given to treat relapses, slow the progression of MS, or manage the symptoms.
- Rehabilitation may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy. These therapies may help manage symptoms of MS.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
How can I manage my symptoms?
- Manage your stress to decrease relapses. Do activities that help you relax. Ask your healthcare provider about counseling or therapies to help you manage stress.
- Exercise may help decrease fatigue and depression. It may also improve bowel or bladder function, mobility, and stiffness. Ask your healthcare provider about an exercise program that is right for you.
- Get vaccines to prevent illnesses that worsen MS symptoms. Get a yearly flu vaccine as soon as your healthcare provider recommends each year. Talk to your provider about other vaccines you need, and when to get them. If you are taking certain medicines, your provider will help you schedule vaccines. You may need to get some vaccines 4 to 6 weeks before or 2 to 6 months after treatment. Talk to your provider about any other concerns or questions you have about vaccines. Examples include if vaccines will affect your MS symptoms or interact with your treatment.
- Take your medicines as directed. This will help prevent complications of MS and may reduce your number of relapses. Know the side effects of your medicines and when to report them to your healthcare provider.
Where can you find more information?
- Multiple Sclerosis Association of America
706 Haddonfield Road
Cherry Hill , NJ 08002
Phone: 1- 856 - 488-4500
Phone: 1- 800 - 532-7667
Web Address: http://www.msaa.com
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society
733 Third Avenue
New York , NY 10017
Phone: 1- 800 - 344-4867
Web Address: http://www.nationalmssociety.org
Call or have someone call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- You have trouble breathing.
- You fall and hit your head.
When should I seek immediate care?
- You feel you cannot cope with MS.
- Your abdomen is painful and larger than usual.
When should I call my doctor?
- You have a fever.
- You have new or worsening symptoms.
- You have an open sore.
- You have burning when you urinate.
- You do not have a bowel movement for 3 days or more.
- You choke or cough during eating or drinking.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Care Agreement
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
Learn more about Multiple Sclerosis
Treatment options
Symptoms and treatments
Medicine.com guides (external)
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
