Diseases
multiple sclerosis
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord, causing a wide range of potential symptoms, including problems with vision, arm or leg movement, sensation or balance. It's a lifelong condition that can sometimes cause serious disability, although it can occasionally be mild.
Symptoms
- numbness or weakness in one or more limbs that typically occurs on one side.
- electric-shock sensations that occur with certain neck movements.
- tremor, lack of coordination or unsteady gait
- partial or complete loss of vision
- slurred speech, and fatigue
Causes
- the cause of multiple sclerosis is unknown. it's considered an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues.
Risk factors
- onset usually occurs around 20 and 40 years of age.
- women are more than two to three times as likely as men are to have it.
- family history, certain infections, race, and certain autoimmune diseases.
Diagnosis
- blood tests
- spinal tap (lumbar puncture)
- mri
- evoked potential tests
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord, causing a wide range of potential symptoms, including problems with vision, arm or leg movement, sensation or balance. It's a lifelong condition that can sometimes cause serious disability, although it can occasionally be mild.
What are the symptoms of multiple sclerosis?
numbness or weakness in one or more limbs that typically occurs on one side., electric-shock sensations that occur with certain neck movements., tremor, lack of coordination or unsteady gait, partial or complete loss of vision, slurred speech, and fatigue
What causes multiple sclerosis?
the cause of multiple sclerosis is unknown. it's considered an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues.
Which medicines are used for multiple sclerosis?
betamethasone, cladribine, dalfampridine, dimethyl fumarate, fingolimod, interferon beta 1a, interferon beta 1b, methylprednisolone, mitoxantrone, natalizumab, ocrelizumab, peginterferon beta 1a, ponesimod, prednisolone, siponimod, teriflunomide, triamcinolone
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