Living with multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that affects many people in the U.S. It can cause problems with how the body and mind work. Learn what MS is, its symptoms and types, and tips for support.
What is MS?
MS is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system (CNS):
- Nerve fibers in the brain have a protective cover called the myelin sheath
- The immune system attacks myelin (mistakenly identifying it as a threat), damaging the myelin sheath and nerves1
- These attacks cause inflammation and damage
- The damage disrupts signals to and from the brain, spinal cord and other parts of the body2
Sclerosis refers to scar tissue, also called plaques or lesions, that is caused by damage to the myelin. Scar tissue can vary in size. MS symptoms depend on the size and place of the plaques.1
What causes MS?
MS is more common in people who:1
- Have a parent or sibling who has MS
- Are women
- Have had Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which causes mono
- Smoke cigarettes
- Live where there is less sunlight
- Are white, although people of any race or background can get MS
What are the types of MS?
There are four types of MS:2
- Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS): The first episode of symptoms caused by inflammation and demyelination in the CNS
- Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS): The most common disease form, with periods of attacks (relapses) followed by recovery (remission)
- Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS): A more progressive form, with or without relapses
- Primary Progressive MS (PPMS): A gradual but steady progression of MS, with few or no relapses or remissions
What are the symptoms of MS?
Early signs of MS often include:1
- Trouble seeing
- Weak or stiff muscles, usually in your arms or legs
- Tingling, numbness or pain in your arms, legs, body or face
- Feeling clumsy or having a hard time keeping your balance while walking
- Problems controlling your bladder
- Feeling dizzy
- Difficulty thinking
- Mood changes/sadness
How is MS diagnosed?
Doctors use several tests to help find out if a person has MS or to rule out other conditions. They will check your medical history, examine your body and check your nerves. Doctors may also order MRI scans of your brain and spinal cord to look for signs of MS.1
What are MS treatment options and management strategies?
There is no cure for MS. There are treatments that can help lower how often you have attacks and slow down how quickly the disease gets worse.1
Doctors can give you medicine called corticosteroids. This medicine works to calm down the immune system and reduce swelling. Studies show these medicines can help you get better from MS attacks more quickly. They do not stop the disease from getting worse over time.1
MS can affect the part of the brain that changes in mood. Because MS may be challenging to live with, mood changes can also be a reaction to having the disease.3
It’s important to notice these changes and get help. They can change how you think and how you get along with others. Some ways to feel better include talking to a counselor, exercising and taking medicine.3
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