Definition
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that affects the immune system, causing damage to the central nervous system. This damage disrupts communication between the brain and the body, resulting in diminished cognitive and physical functions.

Types of MS
According to the National MS Society, four disease courses have been identified in multiple sclerosis: clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), secondary progressive MS (SPMS), and primary progressive MS (PPMS).

Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS): CIS is a first episode of neurologic symptoms caused by inflammation and demyelination in the central nervous system.

Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS): RRMS – the most common disease course – is characterized by clearly defined attacks of new or increasing neurologic symptoms.

Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS): SPMS follows an initial relapsing-remitting course. Some people who are diagnosed with RRMS will eventually transition to a secondary progressive course in which there is a progressive worsening of neurologic function (accumulation of disability) over time.

Primary Progressive MS (PPMS): PPMS is characterized by worsening neurologic function (accumulation of disability) from the onset of symptoms, without early relapses or remissions.

MS can be a challenging disease to diagnose because its symptoms, especially in the early stages, are shared with many other disorders of the nervous system. Early detection of MS is crucial to protecting the body from permanent nerve damage. Consult with a medical professional if you are experiencing the first warning signs of MS, particularly if you have a family history of MS.

Here are a few of the common early signs of MS:

Vision problems
Tingling and numbness
Pains and spasms
Weakness or fatigue
Balance problems or dizziness
Bladder issues
Sexual dysfunction
Memory problems
Shortened attention span
Language problems
Difficulty staying organized
Depression and other emotional health problems are also common.

The symptoms of multiple sclerosis vary by individual, with the most common being impaired coordination, fatigue, pain, and vision loss. The symptoms also vary in intensity and duration. Some people diagnosed with MS experience mild or even no symptoms for most of their lives, while others suffer greatly with severe, chronic symptoms.

The National MS Society lists these as the most common MS symptoms:

Dysesthesia (the “MS hug”) is often a first symptom of MS or a relapse. It is a squeezing sensation around the torso that feels like a blood pressure cuff when it tightens.

Fatigue occurs in about 80% of people, can significantly interfere with the ability to function at home and work, and may be the most prominent symptom in a person who otherwise has minimal activity limitations.

Numbness of the face, body, or extremities (arms and legs) is often the first symptom experienced by those eventually diagnosed as having MS.

Weakness in MS, which results from deconditioning of unused muscles or damage to nerves that stimulate muscles, can be managed with rehabilitation strategies and the use of mobility aids and other assistive devices.

Vertigo and dizziness, feeling off balance or lightheaded

Vision problems, often the first symptom of MS. Optic neuritis, neuromyelitis optica, blurred vision, poor contrast or color vision, and pain on eye movement can be frightening — and should be evaluated promptly.

Spasticity, or feelings of stiffness and a wide range of involuntary muscle spasms; can occur in any limb, but it is much more common in the legs.

Walking or gait difficulties related to several factors including weakness, spasticity, loss of balance, sensory deficit, and fatigue.

For many an MS diagnosis occurs between the ages of 20 and 50. Two to three times more women than men are diagnosed with MS. There aren’t any lab tests or physical findings that, in and of themselves, determine if one has MS.

To reach a diagnosis of MS, a neurologist will need to perform a series of tests to find evidence of damage to the central nervous system (CNS) in at least two separate areas. The doctor also needs evidence that the CNS damage occurred at two different points in time. Other possible diagnoses, including other conditions that cause symptoms similar to MS like lupus, need to be ruled out as well.

Some tests that are commonly performed by the neurologist are exams to check for impaired nerve function, eye exams, MRIs, and spinal taps.

Medical treatments for multiple sclerosis include physical therapy and immune-suppressant medications. These can help alleviate the symptoms of MS and slow disease progression.

From the Mayo Clinic: “Early damage in the CNS can occur even before you are experiencing any symptoms. Studies show that the best chance for reducing long-term disability is during the early relapsing phase of the disease, which is characterized by inflammation. Given that the medications currently available all primarily target inflammation, early and ongoing treatment helps to minimize this inflammation and also reduces damage to nerve fibers (axons) and loss of brain tissue.” More here

Natural therapies like meditation, massage, a diet of inflammation-fighting foods, exercise, and acupuncture has proven to be effective in relieving the symptoms of MS as well.