Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder affecting the central nervous system.
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder affecting the central nervous system. The immune system attacks the nerves of the brain and spinal cord. Body movements may become slow or uncoordinated because signals from the brain to the muscles deteriorate, or arms and legs may feel numb because sensations from the extremities no longer reach the brain. The condition becomes progressively worse over time if not effectively treated. Although there is no cure, medications can help reduce inflammation and lengthen periods between attacks.
How common is Multiple sclerosis?
The prevalence of MS in Australia in 2017 was 103.7 people with MS per 100,000, compared to 95.5 in 2010. This increase reflects global trends and likely reflects the increased survival of people with MS. The further away from the equator people live - the higher the prevalence of MS. The condition is typically diagnosed anywhere from age 20 to age 50.
Certain populations have an increased risk of developing MS. Whites are more than twice as likely as other races to develop MS, and women are affected almost twice as often as men.
Geography and climate may also impact an individual's MS risk factor. MS is five times more prevalent in the northern United States, Canada, and Europe than in tropical regions.
Certain populations have an increased risk of developing MS. Whites are more than twice as likely as other races to develop MS, and women are affected almost twice as often as men.
Geography and climate may also impact an individual's MS risk factor. MS is five times more prevalent in the northern United States, Canada, and Europe than in tropical regions.
Symptoms
What are the symptoms of multiple sclerosis?
Most people experience their first symptoms of MS between the ages of 20 and 40. While symptoms rarely begin before age 15 or after age 60, scientists have documented the initial symptoms of MS at almost every age. When symptoms occur, they can include:
Most people experience their first symptoms of MS between the ages of 20 and 40. While symptoms rarely begin before age 15 or after age 60, scientists have documented the initial symptoms of MS at almost every age. When symptoms occur, they can include:
- Dizziness, blurred or double vision
- Muscle weakness in the arms and legs
- Difficulty with coordination and balance
- Muscle stiffness and spasms
- Numbness, prickling or tingling sensations
- Difficulty with concentration, attention span and memory
- Fatigue
- Speech impediments
- Tremors
How is it diagnosed?
Unfortunately, there is no clear combination of symptoms or test results that can definitively say a person has MS. Health care providers use an array of testing strategies to determine if a person meets the criteria for a diagnosis of MS, including ruling out other possible causes of symptoms. Doctors will typically take a detailed past medical history, including detailed descriptions of symptoms and when they started. Then a physical and neurologic exam will be performed including a panel of imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Typically, no one test is enough to confirm the presence of MS; a combination of positive findings is required.
Physicians often use the Revised McDonald Criteria in order to make a more efficient diagnosis of MS.
Other neurologic tests that may be completed are MRI, Visual Evoked Potential (VEP), and Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis.
Physicians often use the Revised McDonald Criteria in order to make a more efficient diagnosis of MS.
Other neurologic tests that may be completed are MRI, Visual Evoked Potential (VEP), and Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis.
Medications
The following specialty medications are available at Ace, a specialty pharmacy for multiple sclerosis.
BRAND
DRUG
Mavenclad
Cladribine
Tecfidera
Dimethyl Fumurate
Vumerity
Diroximel Fumarate
Teriflagio
Teriflunomide
Gilenya
Fingolimod
Zeposia
Ozanimod
Mayzent
Siponimod
Copaxone
Glatiramer
Avonex, Rebif
Interferon Beta 1a
Plegridy
Peginterferon Beta
Tysabri
Natalizumab
Kesimpta
Ofatumumab
Find Support
There are many organizations that support research and advocacy for MS. See below for a few of those organizations.
Support Organizations
Support Organizations
