Multiple Sclerosis
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis (or MS) is a condition that the immune system attacks the myelin, the fatty substance that surrounds and protects the nerve cells, causing lesions (called demyelination). It can affect the brain and spinal cord, causing a wide range of potential symptoms, including problems with vision, arm or leg movement, sensation, or balance.
It's a lifelong condition that can sometimes cause serious disability, although it can occasionally be mild.
MS is most commonly diagnosed in people in their 20s and 30s, although it can develop at any age. It's about 2 to 3 times more common in women than men.
MS is one of the most common causes of disability in younger adults.
MS Diagnosis
There are no specific tests for MS. Instead, a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis often relies on ruling out other conditions that might produce similar signs and symptoms, known as a differential diagnosis.
Your doctor is likely to start with a thorough medical history and examination.
Your doctor may then recommend:
- Blood test
- Spinal tap (lumbar puncture)
- MRI
MS Treatment at NEUROMED
MS can be difficult to diagnose, as symptoms often vary from person to person or may be caused by a different condition. An accurate diagnosis is critical to provide the most effective care.
NEUROMED Clinic's MS care teams evaluate many patients with MS each year. With a concentration on MS and vast experience, NEUROMED Clinics doctors are able to make accurate diagnoses and recommend effective treatments from the start.
Because MS is less common in children than in adults, pediatric MS can be especially difficult to diagnose. NEUROMED Clinics has a specialized Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Center, staffed by a team of experts devoted to treating children with MS.
At NEUROMED Clinics, researchers are always working to develop new treatments to improve outcomes for people with MS.