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Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system of the body. The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord. In people with MS, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks a substance called myelin. Myelin is the protective coating around nerve fibers in the central nervous system.
When damaged, the myelin forms scar tissue called sclerosis, which gives the disease its name. This scar tissue interrupts electrical signals traveling to and from the brain and spinal cord, causing a variety of symptoms.
Symptoms of MS are often unpredictable. They may be mild (feeling overly tired or having muscle spasms) or severe (losing the ability to speak or walk), depending on the area of the central nervous system affected. Symptoms may fluctuate between periods of remission (no symptoms) to relapse (also known as attacks).
The following are common symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
Less common symptoms of MS include:
These are all considered primary symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Complications that may occur as a result of the primary symptoms are called secondary symptoms. Some common secondary symptoms may include:
People with MS may also experience what is called tertiary symptoms. These are known as a “trickle-down” effect as a result of the disease. These symptoms include social, emotional, and psychological complications. For example, people with MS may feel isolated and depressed as a result of the symptoms of the disease.
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There are many possible causes of multiple sclerosis, including:
There is no one test that, by itself, can diagnose MS. Your healthcare provider will first work to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms. He or she will also perform a complete health history and a neurological exam.
To diagnose multiple sclerosis, your healthcare provider will also look for the following evidence of disease-caused damage (markers):
The following diagnostic tests may be ordered when evaluating a person for multiple sclerosis:
There is no cure for multiple sclerosis. If you are diagnosed with MS, you will work with a team of healthcare providers to help you manage the disease. Treatment for MS includes:
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