Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a lifelong autoimmune disorder that can cause severe disability. An autoimmune disorder is one in which the body produces antibodies that attack its own tissue. People with MS produce antibodies that attack the white matter in the brain and spinal cord.

What is going on in the body?

In multiple sclerosis, the myelin, or coating of nerve fibers, becomes inflamed in the brain and spinal cord. The inflammation damages the myelin, and signals cannot be passed along to the nerve.

About 70% of the individuals with MS have what is called the relapsing-remitting, or RR type, of MS. They have periodic relapses, or episodes where symptoms worsen. These relapses are followed by remissions, which involve partial or full relief from symptoms. The remaining 30% of people with MS have chronic, progressive disease. Although there are several subgroups, most individuals with chronic, progressive disease have a disease course that worsens steadily over time.

What are the causes and risks of the disease?

The cause of multiple sclerosis is not known. There are four major scientific theories about the cause of MS:

Some neurologists believe that MS develops because a person is born with a genetic predisposition to react to an environmental agent. When that person comes into contact with the agent, the contact triggers an autoimmune response that causes MS.

What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?

The symptoms are varied, depending on which nerves are affected. Early signs of MS may be subtle and can include:

As the disease gets worse, other symptoms may develop, such as:

In a mild case of multiple sclerosis, the symptoms may be so subtle that others cannot even tell that anything is wrong. When the disease progresses and is severe, the person can become quite disabled. He or she may lose the ability to walk and take care of himself or herself.

How is the disease diagnosed?

Diagnosis of MS begins with a history and physical exam. There is no test that can specifically diagnose MS. A cranial MRI may show damage to the myelin coating in the brain. But some people with MS have a normal MRI.

A spinal tap may be done to obtain cerebrospinal fluid. This is the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord and brain. The fluid is examined for evidence of immune system problems. An evoked potential test studies electrical impulses. It can be done to look for slowing of messages in different parts of the brain.

MS is sometimes diagnosed by ruling out all other possible causes for the symptoms. The basic rule for diagnosing MS has two criteria:

What can be done to prevent the disease?

There is no known prevention for multiple sclerosis.

What are the long-term effects of the disease?

Over the long term, the level of disability increases. People with the relapsing-remitting form of MS may notice sudden changes in function. People who have chronic, progressive MS will have a gradual loss of function.

A recent study showed that irreversible disability occurred earlier in individuals who had chronic, progressive MS from the onset. People with the relapsing-remitting form went longer before having irreversible disabilities. Once the irreversible disabilities started, however, these progressed at the same rate in both groups. MS eventually causes irreversible disabilities. It cannot be cured and never goes away.

Death in people with MS is generally related to complications of their disabilities. Common causes include:

What are the risks to others?

Multiple sclerosis is not contagious and poses no risk to others. However, it does tend to run in families.

What are the treatments for the disease?

Treatment has two main goals. The first is to stop or slow the immune system's attack on the myelin coating of the nerves. The second is to relieve the symptoms and help the person function as normally as possible.

The immune system is treated with medicines. Some of the most commonly used medicines for ongoing treatment of MS are:

Other treatments include:

A rehabilitation program is important to maintain as much function as possible and prevent complications of disability. Rehabilitation may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Side effects vary depending on the medicine used. They may include drowsiness, stomach upset, and allergic reaction to the medicine. Corticosteroids may cause a variety of side effects, particularly when used long term. Water retention, swelling, and increased blood glucose levels can occur.

The only side effects from rehabilitation therapy are some temporary fatigue and muscle soreness. This is a normal part of a therapy program. It does not mean that the MS is getting worse.

What happens after treatment for the disease?

Monitoring and treatment of multiple sclerosis is lifelong. The progression of MS can be slowed quite a bit with the medicines. Treatment of symptoms, including medicines and therapy, can help reduce disability.

How is the disease monitored?

Blood tests, including a complete blood count, or CBC, and liver function tests, are used to monitor people who are taking certain medicines. An individual with MS will have regular visits to a primary healthcare provider, as well as various specialists. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the appropriate healthcare provider.

Author:Gerald C. McIntosh, MD
Date Written:
Editor:Crist, Gayle P., MS, BA
Edit Date:09/30/01
Reviewer:Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
Date Reviewed:08/27/01