Multiple Sclerosis

RMS is the most common type of MS. Relapses are new or worsening symptoms lasting over 24 hours. A new lesion or lesions in the central nervous system typically cause relapses.

CIS is the first appearance of symptoms caused by the central nervous system attacking the myelin. Your symptoms likely do not result in an MS diagnosis, and you may or may not go on to develop MS.

Most patients with RMS will eventually transition to SPMS. In this phase, symptoms will gradually worsen over time.

PPMS is the least common form. Patients tend to be older at the start of MS symptoms and often have more damage to their spinal cord than their brain. PPMS patients skip the CIS phase and recovery and instead have increasing disability over time. 

MS is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (optic nerves, brain and spinal cord). It causes damage to the axons (nerve fibers) and myelin (fatty substance insulating the axons), resulting in vision loss, weakness, numbness, cognitive changes, fatigue, pain, depression, and difficulty walking.

While there is no cure for MS, many FDA-approved treatment options exist for relapsing MS. These therapies prevent new lesions from forming, thereby decreasing the frequency of relapses. The goal of treatment, particularly early in the course of the disease, is to prevent relapses and reduce long-term disability.

A complex interplay between genetics and the environment likely causes MS. It is thought to be triggered when a genetically susceptible individual is exposed to a particular environmental trigger. Over 150 genetic susceptibility loci that can increase the risk of developing MS have been. Specific environmental stimuli, such as low vitamin D levels, tobacco use, obesity, organic solvents, and previous infections, have been implicated in developing MS.

Symptoms of MS vary from person to person. They may include weakness, stiffness, numbness/tingling, vision problems, difficulty walking, cognitive changes, fatigue, bowel or bladder changes, sexual dysfunction, pain and depression. We spend time with each patient discussing any MS symptoms they may be experiencing. We then prepare strategies and prescribe medications to help minimize and overcome symptoms.

You should call your neurologist immediately if you have new MS symptoms. Sometimes symptoms you have experienced before may be worsened by illness, stress, fatigue, and weather. However, if you develop a new sign or one that has suddenly declined for no apparent reason, you may be experiencing a relapse and need to be evaluated.

Bring your medical records and all MRI scans (reports and images) to prepare for an appointment. Writing a timeline of your neurological symptoms, including any treatments, is valuable if you can.