Multiple Sclerosis Overview

Glossary of MS Terms

An Introduction to Multiple Sclerosis

This section gives a brief overview of MS, touching on symptoms, causes, and diagnosis.

History of MS

This section discusses the history of how and when the disease was discovered and treatments developed.

How MS Affects the Body

This section offers information on how the central nervous system (CNS) is affected by MS and the symptoms that can result.

Who Gets MS

Details on certain trends, such as age, gender, and geography, are discussed in this section.

Types of MS

Please visit this section to learn about all of the types of MS, as well as syndromes prior to an MS diagnosis.

MS Relapses

This section details what happens during a relapse and also provides treatment options.

How MS Affects the Immune System

The information given in this section talks about the events that lead up to the damage and symptoms of MS.

Possible Causes of MS

Please see this section for information on the possible causes of MS and the combination of factors that may be involved.

Diagnosing MS and Evaluating Disease Activity

This section provides details on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and other tools used to diagnose MS and measure MS-disease activity.

Additional Evaluative Tools for MS

The Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and other evaluative tools are described in this section.

The Importance of Disease-Modifying Therapies for MS

Please go to this section to learn about the benefits and specifics on FDA-approved disease-modifying therapies.

The Future of MS Research and Treatments

This section describes targets for MS treatments and how different approaches may interrupt the chain of events leading to MS damage and its symptoms.