What is MS?

MS is thought to be an autoimmune disease. The body’s own defense system attacks myelin, the fatty substance that surrounds and protects the nerve fibers of the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord (the central nervous system). The damaged myelin may form scar tissue (sclerosis). Sometimes the nerve fiber is also damaged. When any part of the myelin sheath or nerve fiber is damaged or destroyed, nerve impulses to and from the brain are distorted or interrupted.

MS is not a fatal disease. Individuals with MS have near-normal life expectancies. Most people with MS learn to cope with the disease, and live full, productive lives.

What are its symptoms?

The symptoms of MS may include tingling, numbness, painful sensations, slurred speech, and blurred or double vision. Some people experience muscle weakness, poor balance, poor coordination, muscle tightness or spasticity, or paralysis that may be temporary or permanent. Problems with bladder, bowel, or sexual function are common, as is fatigue. MS can cause cognitive changes such as forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating. It can also cause mood swings.

Symptoms may come and go, appear in any combination, and be mild, moderate, or severe. There are medications and therapies to help with most symptoms.

Can MS be treated?

Yes. Today, there are 5 federally approved medications that treat MS: Avonex, Betaseron,Copaxone, and Rebif have been shown to be effective in slowing down the natural course of MS. Clinical experience suggests they are most effective if taken early in the disease. Therefore, the National MS Society recommends treatment with one of them as early as possible for most people who have a definite diagnosis of MS with a relapsing course. Novantrone is effective in slowing down MS that is rapidly worsening or becoming progressive. It is not approved for primary-progressive MS at this time. Research on progressive MS may lead to an expanded role for these and other drugs.

Steroids may be used to shorten acute attacks. Many other therapies are being clinically tested, and researchers feel hopeful that more treatments for MS will be available in the near future.

There are also many therapies to moderate or relieve MS symptoms. Physical therapy, exercise, vocational and cognitive rehabilitation, attention to diet, adequate rest, and counseling may be invaluable for maintaining independence and quality of life. Spasticity, bowel and urinary distress, pain, fatigue, depression, and other symptoms can be eased with medication and therapy. Prompt management of symptoms is important. They should be discussed with a knowledgeable physician.

Who gets multiple sclerosis?

An estimated third of a million Americans have MS. Most are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, and about two thirds are women. The disease is more frequently found among people who grew up in colder climates.

Studies indicate that genetic factors make certain individuals susceptible to the disease, but there is no evidence that MS is directly inherited.

What are the general patterns?

MS is an unpredictable disease. Symptoms vary greatly from person to person and vary over time in the same person.

Periods of active MS symptoms are called attacks, exacerbations, or relapses. These can be followed by quiet periods called remissions.

The disease ranges from very mild and intermittent to steadily progressive. Some people have few attacks and little, if any, disability accumulating over time. At diagnosis, most people have relapsing-remitting disease. This means they have attacks followed by periods of partial or total remission, which may last months or even years. Others experience a progressive disease course with steadily worsening symptoms. The disease may worsen steadily from the onset (primary-progressive MS) or may become progressive after a relapsing-remitting course (secondary-progressive MS).

Because MS affects individuals so differently, it is difficult to make generalizations about disability. Statistics suggest that 2 out of 3 people with MS remain able to walk over their lifetime, but many of them will need a cane or other assistive device. Some will choose to use a scooter or wheelchair to conserve energy. Others will require a wheelchair to maintain mobility.

Is it easily diagnosed?

MS is not always easy to diagnose because symptoms may come and go. In addition, other diseases of the central nervous system have some of the same symptoms. No single neurological or laboratory test can confirm or rule out MS.

Recent advances in medical imaging, particularly MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), are helping to clarify diagnosis. A conclusive or definitive diagnosis requires evidence of multiple patches of scar tissue in different parts of the central nervous system, and at least 2 separate attacks of the disease.

A definitive diagnosis can take several months. Sometimes it takes years.

Can MS be cured?

The answer is no—not yet. The cause and the cure of MS are the subject of intensive worldwide research. Some 300 research grants and fellowships are funded by the National MS Society each year. Knowledge about MS is growing quickly and many clinical trials are in progress.

The National MS Society Fights MS

Information, local referrals, publications, and programs are available from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and its 50-state network of chapters. To reach the chapter nearest you, call 1-800-FIGHT-MS (1-800-344-4867) and select Option 1. The local Silicon Valley Chapter's phone number is (408-988-7557) and they are located at 2589 Scott Blvd, Santa Clara, 95050.

Society members are people with MS, their family members, concerned friends and neighbors, and health-care professionals. The Society is the world’s largest private funder of MS research and, through local, state, and national advocacy programs, serves as a voice for Americans with MS.