In a healthy body, nerve fibers (also referred to as “axons“) have a protective, fatty-rich protein covering known as myelin. This covering insulates the nerve fibers, similar to the insulating rubber covering of an electric wire. Myelin allows for the smooth and uninterrupted flow of nerve impulses, which in turn, enables the body to send vital instructions from the brain to the different parts of the body.

Several types of MS have been identified, from the most common form of the disease — relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) – to the less common progressive forms. Please visit this section to learn about all of the types of MS, as well as syndromes prior to an MS diagnosis.

Relapses, also referred to as exacerbations, attacks, flare-ups, episodes, or bouts, are initially experienced by most people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). Relapses occur with relapsing-remitting, progressive-relapsing, and sometimes secondary-progressive forms of MS. Relapses do not occur with primary-progressive MS, although patients may experience day-to-day fluctuations in how they feel.

Researchers have studied a variety of possible causes for multiple sclerosis (MS), and a combination of factors appears to be involved. A popular theory looks at commonly known slow-acting viruses (one that could remain dormant for many years), such as measles, herpes, human T-cell lymphoma, and Epstein-Barr. After being exposed to one of these viruses, some researchers theorize that MS may develop in genetically susceptible people.

Diagnosing and evaluating MS disease activity is most reliably done by neurologists through a neurological history and examination. Tests that can indicate MS and rule out “MS mimickers” (other diseases that resemble MS but have other causes) are also performed.

Additional tools are available to measure disease activity. These are used mainly in clinical trials to help evaluate disease progression as well as changes in specific symptoms, such as fatigue, strength, mobility, vision, cognition, and others.

At the present, approved treatments are only available for individuals with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) – largely for those with RRMS. Research (including many clinical trials) is ongoing at a rigorous pace to find treatments that will also be effective for the progressive forms of MS. Fortunately, symptom-management strategies and comprehensive care plans with teams of doctors, nurses, and therapists, help to greatly improve the quality of life for individuals with MS – both with relapsing and progressive forms of MS.

Targets for multiple sclerosis (MS) treatments include the many components and functions of the immune system response. In general, treatments have been developed to block, reduce, or deplete those cells and other agents that promote inflammation and/or damage to the central nervous system (CNS).