Multiple Sclerosis

Extracted Attributes

• Common Subtypes

  Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), Primary progressive MS (PPMS), Secondary progressive MS (SPMS)

• Scientific Field

  Neurology and Immunology

• Global Prevalence

  2.8 million people (as of 2020)

• Diagnostic Criteria

  McDonald criteria

• Female-to-Male Ratio

  3:1

• Typical Age of Onset

  20 to 40 years old

• Primary Pathophysiology

  Immune-mediated destruction of the myelin sheath in the CNS

Timeline

• French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot provides the first clinical description of Multiple Sclerosis. (Source: Wikipedia)

  1868-01-01

• Global health statistics confirm that approximately 2.8 million people are living with Multiple Sclerosis. (Source: Wikipedia)

  2020-12-31

• Research published in Nature from the University of Chicago details an 'inverse vaccine' using glycosylation to halt MS in animal models. (Source: Document 0ec8558c-54ac-4c28-a128-3d525017e6c2)

  2023-09-22

Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks myelin, the insulating cover of nerve cells in human body, causing damage to one's own central nervous system. It is a type of demyelinating disease, where the nervous system's ability to transmit signals is damaged. Symptoms can be physical, mental, or both, including double vision, vision loss, eye pain, muscle weakness, loss of sensation and coordination. MS takes several forms of presentation: New symptoms can occur as an isolated attack; where the patient experiences neurological symptoms suddenly and then gets better (relapsing form) called relapsing-remitting MS which is seen in 85% of patients. In other patients symptoms can slowly get worse over time (progressive form) called primarily progressive MS seen in 15% of patients. The patients with relapsing- remitting MS can experience gradual worsening of their symptoms following the attacks, this subtype is called secondary progressive MS. In relapsing forms of MS, symptoms may disappear completely between attacks, although some permanent neurological problems often remain, especially as the disease advances. In progressive forms of MS, the body's function slowly deteriorates once symptoms manifest and will steadily worsen if left untreated. A patient might have a single attack and not meet the full criteria for being diagnosed with MS. This is called a clinically isolated syndrome. While its cause is unclear, the underlying mechanism is thought to be due to either destruction by the immune system or inactivation of myelin-producing cells. Proposed causes for this include immune dysregulation, genetics, and environmental factors, such as viral infections. The McDonald criteria are a frequently updated set of guidelines used to establish an MS diagnosis. There is no cure for MS. Current treatments aim to reduce inflammation and resulting symptoms from acute flares and prevent further attacks with disease-modifying medications, aiming at slowing disease progression and improving quality of life. Physical therapy and occupational therapy, along with patient-centered symptom management, can help with people's ability to function. The long-term outcome is difficult to predict; better outcomes are more often seen in women, those who develop the disease early in life, those with a relapsing course, and those who initially experienced few attacks. New evidence suggests an important role of lifestyle factors in the prognosis of MS, where multiple lifestyle factors (including smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise, diet and vitamin D levels) have been linked to affecting the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) score depending on patients' age, gender and disease duration. MS is the most common immune-mediated disorder affecting the central nervous system (CNS). In 2020, about 2.8 million people were affected by MS globally, with rates varying widely in different regions and among different populations. The disease usually begins between the ages of 20 and 40 and is almost three times more common in females than in males (3:1 ratio). MS was first described in 1868 by French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot. The name "multiple sclerosis" is short for multiple cerebro-spinal sclerosis, which refers to the numerous glial scars (or sclerae – essentially plaques or lesions) that develop on the white matter of the brain and spinal cord.

Web Search Results

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) | Johns Hopkins Medicine

  Skip to Main Content # Multiple Sclerosis (MS) ## Overview Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a long-lasting (chronic) disease of the central nervous system. It is thought to be an autoimmune disorder, a condition in which the body attacks itself by mistake. MS is an unpredictable disease that affects people differently. Some people with MS may have only mild symptoms. Others may lose their ability to see clearly, write, speak, or walk when communication between the brain and other parts of the body becomes disrupted. [...] ## Key points about multiple sclerosis Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system. MS is unpredictable. Some people may be only mildly affected. Others may lose the ability to see clearly, write, speak, or walk. Early symptoms can include vision problems, trouble walking, and tingling feelings. MS affects people differently. But common problems are trouble with movement and thinking, and bowel and bladder incontinence. Medicines and rehabilitation can help to keep or restore functioning. ## Basics Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Multiple Sclerosis and Pregnancy Multiple Sclerosis: Why Are Women More at Risk? ## Wellness and Prevention [...] ### Other symptoms of multiple sclerosis Muscle weakness in the arms and legs Trouble with coordination. You may have problems walking or standing. You may also be partly or completely paralyzed. Spasticity. This is the involuntary increased tone of muscles leading to stiffness and spasms. Fatigue. This may be brought on by physical activity. But it may ease with rest. You may have constant tiredness that doesn't go away. Loss of feeling Speech problems Tremor Dizziness Hearing loss Bowel and bladder problems Depression Changes in sexual function About half of all people with MS have thinking (cognitive) problems linked to the disease. The effects of these problems may be mild. Your healthcare provider may only find them after much testing. The problems may be with:

• Understanding Multiple Sclerosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and ...

  ### What is Multiple Sclerosis? Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease where the immune system attacks the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. This attack targets the myelin, the protective coating of nerve cells, which helps electrical signals travel quickly. When myelin is lost, it forms scar tissue known as sclerosis, also referred to as plaques or lesions. This damage prevents nerves from conducting electrical impulses properly to and from the brain. This can lead to symptoms like numbness, weakness, vision problems, and imbalance. Symptoms lasting more than 24 hours are called relapses or exacerbations, which can last from a day to several months. While myelin can often repair itself, severe inflammation can damage the nerves permanently, potentially leading to lasting disability. [...] Groundbreaking for Major Tulsa Expansion of OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center (405) 271-4700 Schedule Now Ways To Give Ways To Give 405-271-4700 271-4700) Blog2025MarchUnderstanding Multiple Sclerosis: ... # Understanding Multiple Sclerosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options Category: Blog Posted On: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a common autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. The journey to diagnosis can be challenging because each case is unique. While MS is unpredictable and currently has no cure, it is not as daunting as it once was. There are now several effective treatments that can help you manage the disease and live a long, full life. [...] Numbness or tingling Electric-shock sensations with neck movements (Lhermitte sign) Lack of coordination Trouble walking or inability to walk Weakness Stiffness and spasticity Vision loss in one eye, often with pain Double or blurry vision Dizziness or vertigo Sexual, bowel, and bladder issues Fatigue Slurred speech Memory and thinking problems Mood changes Small increases in body temperature can temporarily worsen MS symptoms. These are known as pseudorelapses. ### How is MS Diagnosed? Diagnosing MS involves a combination of physical and neurological exams, along with various tests. Your healthcare provider will review your symptoms and medical history. Tests may include blood work, MRIs of the brain and spinal cord, and spinal fluid analysis.

• Multiple sclerosis - Wikipedia

  Main article: Pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease, primarily mediated by T-cells. The three main characteristics of MS are the formation of lesions in the central nervous system (also called plaques), inflammation, and the destruction of myelin sheaths of neurons. These features interact in a complex and not yet fully understood manner to produce the breakdown of nerve tissue, and in turn, the signs and symptoms of the disease. Damage is believed to be caused, at least in part, by attack on the nervous system by a person's own immune system. ### Immune dysregulation [edit] [...] ### Lesions [edit] The name multiple sclerosis refers to the scars (sclerae – better known as plaques or lesions) that form in the nervous system. These lesions most commonly affect the white matter in the optic nerve, brain stem, basal ganglia, and spinal cord, or white matter tracts close to the lateral ventricles. The function of white matter cells is to carry signals between grey matter areas, where the processing is done, and the rest of the body. The peripheral nervous system is rarely involved. [...] MS was first described in 1868 by French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot. The name "multiple sclerosis "Sclerosis (medicine)")" is short for multiple cerebro-spinal sclerosis, which refers to the numerous glial scars (or sclerae – essentially plaques or lesions) that develop on the white matter of the brain and spinal cord. ## Signs and symptoms [edit] Main article: Multiple sclerosis signs and symptoms MS lesions can affect any part of the central nervous system so a person with MS can have almost any neurological signs or symptoms. Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of MS. Roughly 65% of people with MS experience fatigue. Of these, some 15–40% report fatigue as their most disabling symptom.

• Multiple Sclerosis | MS - MedlinePlus

  Also called: MS On this page ### Basics Summary Start Here Symptoms Diagnosis and Tests Treatments and Therapies ### Learn More Living With Related Issues Specifics Genetics ### See, Play and Learn Videos and Tutorials ### Research Statistics and Research Clinical Trials Journal Articles ### Resources Reference Desk Find an Expert ### For You Children Women Patient Handouts ## Summary Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a nervous system disease that affects your brain and spinal cord. It damages the myelin sheath, the material that surrounds and protects your nerve cells. This damage slows down or blocks messages between your brain and your body, leading to the symptoms of MS. They can include: [...] Visual disturbances Muscle weakness Trouble with coordination and balance Sensations such as numbness, prickling, or "pins and needles" Thinking and memory problems No one knows what causes MS. It may be an autoimmune disease, which happens when your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body by mistake. Multiple sclerosis affects women more than men. It often begins between the ages of 20 and 40. Usually, the disease is mild, but some people lose the ability to write, speak, or walk. There is no specific test for MS. Doctors use a medical history, physical exam, neurological exam, MRI, and other tests to diagnose it. There is no cure for MS, but medicines may slow it down and help control symptoms. Physical and occupational therapy may also help.

• Multiple sclerosis - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

  I'm Dr. Oliver Tobin, a neurologist specializing in multiple sclerosis at Mayo Clinic. In this video, we'll be covering the basics of multiple sclerosis. What is it? Who gets it? The symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Whether you're looking for answers about your own health or that of someone you love, we're here to provide you with the best information available. Multiple sclerosis is a disorder in which the body's immune system attacks the protective covering of the nerve cells in the brain, optic nerve and spinal cord, called the myelin sheath. And this sheath is often compared to the insulation on an electrical wire. When that covering is damaged, it exposes the actual nerve fiber, which can slow or block the signals being transmitted within it. The nerve fibers themselves might also [...] Image 8: Nerve damage Multiple sclerosis Enlarge image Close ### Multiple sclerosis Image 9: Nerve damage ### Multiple sclerosis In multiple sclerosis, the protective coating on the nerve fibers is damaged and may eventually be destroyed. This protective coating is called myelin. Depending on where the nerve damage happens, MS can affect vision, sensation, coordination, movement, and bladder or bowel control. Multiple sclerosis is a disease that causes breakdown of the protective covering of nerves. Multiple sclerosis can cause numbness, weakness, trouble walking, vision changes and other symptoms. It's also known as MS. [...] ### Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry Causes The cause of multiple sclerosis is not known. It's considered an immune-mediated disease in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues. In MS, the immune system attacks and destroys the fatty substance that coats and protects nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. This fatty substance is called myelin. Myelin can be compared to the insulation coating on electrical wires. When the protective myelin is damaged and the nerve fiber is exposed, the messages traveling along that nerve fiber may be slowed or blocked. It isn't clear why MS develops in some people and not others. A combination of genetics and environmental factors may increase the risk of MS.