3 imperatives to transform health care in America. You're invited to watch it live

Free

E-newsletter

Subscribe to Housecall

Our weekly general interest
e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics.

Sign up now

Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

CLICK TO ENLARGE

Illustration showing nerve damage Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a potentially debilitating disease in which your body's immune system eats away at the protective sheath (myelin) that covers your nerves. Damage to myelin causes interference in the communication between your brain, spinal cord and other areas of your body. This condition may result in deterioration of the nerves themselves, a process that's not reversible.

Symptoms vary widely, depending on the amount of damage and the nerves that are affected. People with severe cases of multiple sclerosis may lose the ability to walk or speak clearly. Multiple sclerosis can be difficult to diagnose early in the course of the disease because symptoms often come and go — sometimes disappearing for months.

Multiple sclerosis has no cure. However, treatments may help treat MS attacks, manage symptoms and reduce progress of the disease.

Symptoms
References
  1. Multiple sclerosis: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/multiple_sclerosis/detail_multiple_sclerosis.htm. Accessed Aug. 7, 2012.
  2. Olek MJ. Epidemiology and clinical features of multiple sclerosis in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Sept. 19, 2012.
  3. Olek MJ. Treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Sept. 19, 2012.
  4. Neurological diagnostic tests and procedures. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/misc/diagnostic_tests.htm. Accessed Sept. 13, 2012.
  5. Olek MJ. Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Sept. 19, 2012.
  6. Olek MJ. Treatment of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Sept. 19, 2012.
  7. Foley F, et al. Taming stress in multiple sclerosis. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/living-with-multiple-sclerosis/healthy-living/stress/index.aspx. Accessed Sept. 24, 2012.
  8. Harmon M. Exercise as part of everyday life. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/living-with-multiple-sclerosis/healthy-living/exercise/index.aspx. Accessed Sept. 25, 2012.
  9. Baclofen. Micromedex Healthcare Series. http://www.micromedex.com. Accessed Sept. 25, 2012.
  10. Tizanidine hydrochloride. Micromedex Healthcare Series. http://www.micromedex.com. Accessed Sept. 25, 2012.
  11. Olek MJ. Treatment of progressive multiple sclerosis in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Sept. 19, 2012.
  12. Bone marrow transplantation and peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/bone-marrow-transplant/. Accessed Sept. 25, 2012.
  13. Heat and temperature sensitivity. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/what-we-know-about-ms/treatments/exacerbations/heattemperature-sensitivity/index.aspx. Accessed Sept. 25, 2012.
  14. Food for thought: MS and nutrition. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/living-with-multiple-sclerosis/healthy-living/nutirtion-and-diet/index.aspx. Accessed Sept. 25, 2012.
  15. Healthy living with MS. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/living-with-multiple-sclerosis/healthy-living/index.aspx. Accessed Sept. 25, 2012.
  16. Weinshenker BG (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 2, 2012.
  17. Olek MJ. Comorbid problems associated with multiple sclerosis in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Dec. 3, 2012.
  18. Tysabri (prescribing information). Cambridge, Mass.: Biogen Idec; 2012. http://www.biogenidec.com/therapies_tysabri.html. Accessed Dec. 3, 2012.
  19. Medication guide: Tysabri. Biogen Idec. http://www.biogenidec.com/therapies_tysabri.html. Accessed Dec. 3, 2012.
  20. Medication guide: Aubagio. Genzyme Corporation. https://www.aubagio.com/. Accessed Dec. 3, 2012.
DS00188 Dec. 15, 2012

© 1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

  • Reprints
  • Print

  • Share on:

  • Email

Advertisement


Text Size: smaller largerlarger