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Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Condition Basics

What is multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that affects the central nervous system—the brain and spinal cord. It also affects the nerves to the eyes. It can cause problems with muscle strength, vision, balance, mood, sensation, and thinking.

Your nerve cells have a protective covering called myelin. Without myelin, the brain and spinal cord can't communicate with the nerves in the rest of the body. MS causes areas in the brain and spinal cord to get inflamed. It slowly damages the myelin and nerves in patches. These patches of damage are called lesions.

MS tends to get worse over time. But usually this happens slowly. It's hard to predict how MS will affect you. MS is different for each person. Some people's lives won't change much with MS. Those people may function well for a long time. But others may lose the ability to walk or do everyday tasks as the disease gets worse.

There is no cure for MS. But medicines and other treatments might help slow its progression and treat your symptoms.

What causes it?

The exact cause isn't known, but most experts think that MS is an autoimmune disease. In MS, the immune system attacks the protective covering of the nerve cells (myelin) in parts of the brain and spinal cord. Areas of the brain and spinal cord get inflamed. Over time, the myelin and nerves are damaged.

What are the symptoms?

MS symptoms vary from person to person. They may come and go over time. MS can cause problems with muscle strength, vision, balance, mood, and thinking. It may cause fatigue, pain, muscle spasms, and numbness and tingling. It may also cause bowel and bladder problems. As MS progresses, symptoms may get worse.

How is it diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and health and do a neurological exam. This exam checks your muscle strength and how well your nerves are working. You'll probably have an MRI to look for lesions in your brain. And you may have a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) if needed.

How is MS treated?

Different medicines are used to treat MS. Some may slow its progression and help prevent attacks (relapses). Some treat attacks. Others help treat the symptoms. Other treatments may include physiotherapy, occupational, speech, or cognitive therapy to help you function better. Counselling and exercise may also help.

Information about Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Adaptation Date: 09/11/2024

Adapted By: Alberta Health Services

Adaptation Reviewed By: Alberta Health Services

Adapted with permission from copyrighted materials from Ignite Healthwise, LLC (Healthwise). This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty and is not responsible or liable for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

Information about Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Adaptation Date: 09/11/2024

Adapted By: Alberta Health Services

Adaptation Reviewed By: Alberta Health Services