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Multiple Sclerosis
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Brain Nerves

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a nervous system disease that disrupts communication between the brain and the body by damaging the protective covering of nerve cells.

Overview

Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects the brain and spinal cord by damaging the myelin sheath, the material that surrounds and protects nerve cells. This damage slows or blocks the transmission of messages between the brain and the body.

Symptoms

  • Visual disturbances
  • Muscle weakness
  • Trouble with coordination and balance
  • Sensations such as numbness, prickling, or "pins and needles"
  • Thinking and memory problems

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of MS is unknown, though it may be an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells. The condition is more common in women than men and typically begins between the ages of 20 and 40. While the disease is often mild, some individuals may experience a loss of the ability to write, speak, or walk.

Diagnosis and Management

There is no specific test for MS. Doctors diagnose the condition using a combination of medical history, physical and neurological exams, MRIs, and other tests. Although there is no cure, medications can help slow the progression of the disease and control symptoms. Physical and occupational therapy are also utilized to assist patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary goals of MS treatment are to slow the progression of the disease, manage symptoms, reduce the frequency and severity of relapses, and improve quality of life. This often involves disease-modifying therapies, symptom management medications, and rehabilitation therapies like physical and occupational therapy.
While MS is not directly inherited in a simple Mendelian pattern, genetics do play a role, with a slightly higher risk if a close family member has it. Other risk factors include being female, certain viral infections, vitamin D deficiency, and smoking.
Early symptoms of MS can be varied and often include unexplained numbness or tingling, vision problems like blurred or double vision, balance issues, muscle weakness, or severe fatigue. These symptoms may come and go, making early diagnosis challenging.
Diagnosing MS involves a comprehensive approach. Doctors combine a detailed medical history and neurological exam with tests like MRI scans of the brain and spinal cord to look for lesions, evoked potential studies to measure nerve signal speed, and sometimes a lumbar puncture to analyze cerebrospinal fluid.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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