Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) that occurs when the immune system attacks the layer surrounding nerve cells, known as the myelin sheath. When myelin is lost, it damages nerves and disrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body.

Short Bowel Syndrome with Intestinal Failure (SBS-IF)

Short bowel syndrome with intestinal failure is a condition where individuals cannot absorb nutrients properly because they lack part of their intestine due to portions being surgically removed, parts missing since birth, or portions damaged and unable to function properly.

Symptoms

Patients with multiple sclerosis may experience a variety of symptoms including:

Fatigue

Muscle weakness, spasms, and stiffness

Tingling and numbness in the limbs

Bladder problems

Difficulty balancing, walking, and standing

Tightness or squeezing sensation around the torso or chest (MS hug)

Diagnosis Journey

Learn more about how people who are experiencing signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis can be diagnosed.

When to see your doctor

If you are experiencing any signs or symptoms that are consistent with MS, go see your physician/doctor. Some early signs of MS include:

Unusual sensations
Muscle spasms or weakness
Bladder and/or bowel issues
Vision problems

Process for diagnosis

The diagnosis process for MS commonly includes making a differential diagnosis, which means ruling out other conditions that may be the cause of these symptoms. In addition to the differential diagnosis, doctors also perform these tests to confirm a MS diagnosis:

Blood Tests: Used to eliminate other conditions that have similar symptoms to MS and to identify indicators that are associated with MS.
Spinal Tap (Lumbar Puncture): A needle is inserted into the spine to remove a portion of spinal fluid, which is then tested for infections or abnormalities in antibodies and immune cells.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Detects lesions in the brain or spinal cord. Lesions are caused by damage to the myelin sheath surrounding the nerves.
Neurological Examination: Checks for any abnormalities or weakness in vision, limb strength, speech, balance, coordination, walking, and reflexes.
Evoked Potential Test: This test requires patients to watch visual patterns while electrodes are applied to measure the time it takes for information to travel down the nerve pathways.

If you feel that you are not receiving adequate treatment, don't be afraid to explore other physicians and specialists in order to get the care you need.

Specialists

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

Registered doctors

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

Ongoing Research and Treatment Options

Multiple sclerosis is a rare disease that requires more effective treatment options. To find these new treatments for MS, further research is necessary.

Current Research Studies

There are approximately 450 multiple sclerosis research studies that are actively recruiting participants. Search this site to find MS research studies near you.

Visit Clinicaltrials.gov

Treatments for Signs and Symptoms

While no known cure exists, treatment and medications can reduce signs and symptoms of MS.

Below are a few examples of treatment options for reducing some signs and symptoms of MS:

Therapy

Physical therapy and occupational therapy can assist individuals with MS in building muscle strength and learning techniques to perform everyday tasks on their own.

Treatment for Bladder Problems

Bladder issues may lead to bladder infections, hygiene problems, and kidney damage. Treatment for bladder issues could include diet changes or medications to help with bladder control.

Muscle Relaxants and Sedatives

Muscle relaxants and sedatives can assist individuals with MS in alleviating muscle pain, stiffness, and spasticity that may occur.

Medications to Reduce Fatigue

There are some medications that can help manage chronic fatigue for people with MS.

Treatment to Modify Progression

Disease modifying therapies (DMTs) may be administered as oral medications, injections, or infusions. These are medications that are used to reduce the number and severity of MS relapses and to delay progression of the disease.

Treatment for MS Relapses

A relapse is a flare-up of symptoms. If a patient is experiencing a current relapse, steroids like methylprednisolone (intravenous injections) or prednisone (pills) are used. Steroids can alleviate symptoms of a flare-up; however, they do not alter the course of the disease.

Resources

Find an online community of fellow MS patients, caregivers, and advocates below as well as some other general resources!

National Multiple Sclerosis Society Community

A community created by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society that provides a space for people affected by MS to connect with others for advice and support.

Multiple Sclerosis Foundation

A support group created by the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation that welcomes those who are affected by MS.

Reddit Group: r/MultipleSclerosis

A Reddit community group for people with MS and their family and friends, focusing on conversations about support, research, drug therapies, and more.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is an organization whose mission is to help find a cure for MS and empower people living with MS.

Multiple Sclerosis Foundation

The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation provides programs and support services to those affected by MS and promotes public awareness.

MS International Federation

The MS International Federation is a global network of MS organizations, people affected by MS, volunteers, and staff who are working to improve the quality of life for those affected by MS.

The MSing Link

This podcast hosted by Dr. Gretchen Hawley discusses different symptom management strategies for those with MS. MS specialists are also brought in to discuss new developments in the field.

RealTalk MS

The National MS Society has teamed up with the RealTalk MS podcast where the host, Jon Strum, discusses the latest updates in MS news, research, advocacy and support for people affected by MS.

MS and Your Mental Health
Visit the website below to find different articles and resources focusing on coping with mental health for those living with multiple sclerosis.

Emotional Well-Being and Multiple Sclerosis
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society created this website page to give people with MS who are struggling with their mental health some coping tips and resources for support.

Tascenso ODT, a Gilenya Alternative, Wins New FDA Approval in MS

Read the article below to learn about a new FDA approved therapy for multiple sclerosis.

Researchers Report Another Possible Trigger for MS

Learn more about the research being conducted to identify a possible new trigger for multiple sclerosis.

FAQs

How common is multiple sclerosis?

MS affects approximately 2.8 million people worldwide.

Who is most at risk for developing multiple sclerosis?

MS is typically diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, but it can occur at any age. MS is about 2-3 times more common in women than men and more prevalent among Caucasians than Hispanics, African Americans, and Asians.

Are multiple sclerosis patients immunocompromised?

You can have MS without being immunocompromised. Some treatments for MS, called disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), can change your immune system.

What causes MS?

There is no known cause of MS. Some potential risk factors could include family history of MS, obesity, smoking, Vitamin D deficiency, living further from the equator, and having certain viral infections.

Are MS symptoms constant?

Symptoms of MS can vary and change over time. Sometimes symptoms can be mild, while other times they can be more severe and debilitating.

Can MS be cured?

There is currently no cure for MS, but there are medications that can help treat it. There have been therapeutic and technological advances, as well as ongoing research, to get doctors and scientists closer to finding more treatment options.

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