Multiple Sclerosis

About Multiple Sclerosis

Learn more about MS, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

What Is MS? Symptoms & Causes Diagnosis Treatment Contact Us

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

MS is an immune-mediated disease affecting the brain, optic nerves and spinal cord, also called the central nervous system (CNS).

MS can appear at any age but most commonly manifests between the ages of 20 and 40. It affects women three times as often as men. Almost one million people in the United States have MS, making it one of the most common causes of non-traumatic neurological disability among young adults in North America.

Symptoms & Causes

Because almost any part of the central nervous system can be affected, the symptoms of MS vary, depending on the location that is involved. About half of all people with MS first have an isolated neurological problem, and an almost equal number have more than one symptom as part of their first attack of the disease.

The most common symptoms of MS are:

Loss of vision (optic neuritis)
Double vision
Vertigo
Weakness in one or more limbs
Facial weakness
Facial pain (trigeminal neuralgia)
Numbness and tingling
Muscle stiffness (spasticity)
Gait abnormalities and imbalance
Cognitive problems
Depression
Fatigue
Bowel and bladder problems
Sexual dysfunction
Pain

An exacerbation of MS symptoms, known as a relapse, can last for days or weeks and then resolve, partially or fully. Over time, symptoms may persist or steadily worsen.

A Flare up is an increase of existing symptoms or recurrence of previous symptoms from old nerve damage in the estting of heat, stress, infection, and many other external triggers.

Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis

Confirming an MS diagnosis involves assessment of symptoms, review of imaging and a host of lab tests. Objective evidence of central nervous system inflammation and demyelination, damage to the covering that protects nerve fibers, is consistent with Multiple Sclerosis. This is usually obtained by thorough medical history, neurologic examination and supplementary studies. Other diagnoses that may mimic MS must be ruled out.

Laboratory, imaging, and electrophysiological studies that may be performed to diagnose and appropriately manage MS include the following:

Blood tests
Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
MRI of the brain and spinal cord
Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
Visual field testing
Electrical conduction studies (evoked potentials)

Other studies, such as, neuropsychological testing or bladder ultrasound may be warranted depending on the nature of the problems.

MS Treatment at ChristianaCare

Although there is no cure, it can be well managed. With today’s treatments, it’s possible to:

Limit and even stop new injuries to the central nervous system
Treat acute attacks
Stop, control, and prevent symptoms
Aid in recovery from attacks

Medication for Multiple Sclerosis

As a Comprehensive Center of Excellence, ChristianaCare is involved with ongoing MS research and are experts in all FDA approved MS therapies. You will have access to the full scope of medication options available, a dedicated MS pharmacist, and access to several local infusion centers if needed. In addition, some patients may be eligible for treatments being evaluated in clinical trials.

Learn more about our research and current clinical trials.

Treatment for Acute Relapses

The goal of acute relapse treatment is mainly to promote more rapid recovery from a new attack.

Treatment for relapses may include:

Corticosteroids
Plasmapheresis or IV immunoglobulins (IVIG)

Disease Modifying Treatments (DMTs)

The goal of DMTs is to prevent relapses and slow the progressive worsening of disability. Commonly used DMTs include:

Injectable therapies
Oral therapies
Infusion therapies

Symptomatic Treatments

The goal of symptomatic treatments for MS is to eliminate or manage the symptoms and improve functioning and quality of life. Treatments include:

Muscle relaxants
Medication to improve walking
Botox injections for spasticity
Education on medical cannabis for pain
Medications that relieve urinary problems, sexual dysfunction, fatigue, or depression

The ChristianaCare Comprehensive MS Center, along with the National MS Society, also offers a number of patient support programs which play a crucial role in the management of MS.

LINKS TO CCHS SUPPORT PROGRAMS IN MIDDLETOWN AND NATIONAL MS SOCIETY SELF HELP GROUPS NEEDED.