Encyclopedia | Women & Infants Providence, RI

Conditions InDepth: Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, disabling disease of the central nervous system. The disease causes inflammation, destruction, and scarring of the nerve sheath (called myelin) that covers nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. There can also be damage to the underlying nerve itself (called the axon). As a result, electrical signals from the brain are slowed or blocked from reaching the eyes, muscles, and other parts of the body.

Nerve cells (neurons) showing normal and damaged myelin sheaths

There are several types of MS:

Relapsing-remitting MS ”symptoms suddenly reappear every few months or years, last for a few weeks or months, and then go back into remission. Symptoms sometimes worsen with each occurrence.

Primary progressive MS ”symptoms gradually worsen after symptoms first appear. Relapses and remissions usually do not occur.

Secondary progressive MS ”after years of relapses and remissions, symptoms suddenly begin to progressively worsen.

Progressive relapsing MS ”symptoms gradually worsen after symptoms first appear. One or more relapses may also occur.

Multiple Sclerosis

A malfunction of the body's immune system seems to be the cause of MS, but exactly why that occurs is not known. Researchers are still working to understand autoimmune diseases, in which the immune system, which normally protects the body from infection and other disease, starts attacking the body. The following conditions may contribute to MS:

Viral or other infection
Genetic factors (heredity)
Environmental factors

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, about 400,000 people in the United States have multiple sclerosis.

What are the risk factors for multiple sclerosis?
What are the symptoms of multiple sclerosis?
How is multiple sclerosis diagnosed?
What are the treatments for multiple sclerosis?
Are there screening tests for multiple sclerosis?
How can I reduce my risk of multiple sclerosis?
What questions should I ask my doctor?
What is it like to live with multiple sclerosis?
Where can I get more information about multiple sclerosis?

References:

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/ .

National Multiple Sclerosis Society website. Available at: http://nationalmssociety.org/ . Accessed August 12, 2008.

Last reviewed July 2008 by Rimas Lukas, MD

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.