Multiple Sclerosis

What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a nervous system disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. If you have MS, your immune system attacks your nerves and damages the material around your nerve cells (myelin).

Who is at risk of multiple sclerosis?

• Most patients are between the ages of 20 and 50 when diagnosed with MS
• Women are more likely than men to get multiple sclerosis
• Genetic factors may play a role

What are the symptoms of multiple sclerosis?

Some people may have just a few MS symptoms. Others may have a lot. The most common MS symptoms are:

• Changes in sensation
• Feeling very tired all the time
• Walking problems
• Numbness or tingling
• Weakness
• Feeling stiff
• Muscle spasms
• Blurry eyesight
• Eye pain
• Feeling dizzy
• Bladder problems
• Sex problems
• Constipation or loss of bowel control
• Pain, especially “electric shock” like pain that radiates to the limbs when the neck is flexed forward
• Memory, learning and focus problems
• Depression and mood swings

Talk to your primary care provider if you experience MS symptoms. Your doctor may refer you to a neurologist who has expertise in diagnosing and evaluating patients with MS.

How is multiple sclerosis diagnosed?

Your doctor or specialist will review your complete medical history, perform a physical exam and order a variety of tests such as:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Lumbar puncture or spinal tap
• Evoked potentials (EP)

How is multiple sclerosis treated?

Medication can help slow the progress of MS. Physical therapy and other rehabilitation methods are often recommended to help relieve symptoms.