The identical twin of someone with MS (who shares all the same genes) has a 25% chance of developing the disease.

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Multiple sclerosis (MS) disrupts communication between the brain, nerves, muscles and other parts of the body. It is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the myelin sheath—the protective covering around some nerve cells which speeds transmission of nerve signals. This results in slowing of nerve impulses and damage to the nerves fibers. MS affects approximately 400,000 Americans, and about 2.5 million people worldwide.

Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

First symptoms are usually experienced between the ages of 15 and 60, (peak between 30 and 50). Symptoms vary significantly between individuals depending on which nerves are impacted.

Symptoms include:

• Visual disturbances (often an early sign) include blurred or double vision, red-green color distortion, shaky eye movements (nystagmus) or pain and partial blindness in one eye (optic neuritis).
• Fatigue, cramps and muscle weakness often in the face, trunk or limbs.
• Dizziness, tremor, coordination and balance problems, lead to unsteady gait and falls. These symptoms may progress to partial or complete paralysis.
• Sensory disruption may include numbness, pins and needles, pain or pricking feelings. Electric shock sensations may result from neck movement.
• Speech and hearing may be affected, along with cognition, attention, memory and mood.
• Bowel and bladder problems.
• Sexual dysfunction.
• Depression is common feature. Bipolar disorder and dementia may occur in later years.
• Chronic pain. Up to 50 percent will suffer from it during the course of the illness.

Progression of MS

MS has an extremely variable course. It is not usually a terminal illness, but a progressive and debilitating one. On average life expectancy is shortened by six or seven years. According to the American Academy of Neurology there are four main types of MS:

• Relapsing-remitting (RRMS) is marked by an unpredictable pattern of relapses (recurrence of symptoms or new symptoms) and remissions (full return to the person’s level of functioning). Remissions can last anywhere from a month to many years, during which time symptoms may occur when they overheat. This type is most common. Approximately 60 percent will develop secondary progressive at some time.
• In primary-progressive MS, there is slow but continual worsening of functioning from the beginning.
• Secondary-progressive MS begins as RRMS and develops into a steadier progression of disability without relapses.
• Progressive-relapsing MS is a slow but continual worsening of functioning from the beginning. Occasional remissions occur along the way.

Causes of Multiple Sclerosis

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke explains, “Many investigators believe MS to be an autoimmune disease… (in which) the nerve-insulating myelin comes under assault.”

Risk factors are thought to trigger MS are a combination of genetic and environmental factors, include:

•      Gender. Women are about twice as likely as men are to develop MS.
•      Family history of MS (in up to 35 percent).
•      Infections, most notably Epstein-Barr (also know as mono).
•      Ethnicity. People of Northern European descent are at highest risk.
•      Living in temperate climates, including northern United States, Canada, New Zealand, northern Europe, possibly due to vitamin D deficiency.
•      Autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes, thyroid disease, or inflammatory bowel disease.
•      Smoking

Diagnosing Multiple Sclerosis

If you are concerned about symptoms see your doctor or neurologist, who will take a full medical and family history, and then perform a physical and neurological examination. There is no definitive test for MS, diagnosis is made with clinical history and supporting from tests, including:

• Blood tests to help rule out other illness: infections such as Lyme disease, lupus, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and inherited neurological diseases.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to look for signs of demyelination.
• Evoked potentials, which is a test of electrical activity of the brain in response to stimulation.
• Lumbar puncture or spinal tap to perform cerebrospinal fluid analysis.

Misdiagnosis is common. Researchers are trying to develop biomarker tests, which would improve diagnosis and treatment of MS.

Multiple Sclerosis Treatment

There is currently no cure for MS, but treatments may help to relieve symptoms and slow the disease process.

• Steroids may be useful during an acute attack to reduce inflammation. They do not alter disease progression.
• Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis) is a technique in which blood is drawn and the cells and plasma (liquid portion) separated. The cells are combined with albumin (protein solution) and given as an infusion. This treatment is used for those with recent onset of severe symptoms, who do not respond to steroids.

Some people, on the other hand, do well with no drug treatment at all.

Disease-modifying therapies (DMT) may help reduce development of new lesions, disease progression, frequency of attacks or relapses and severity of symptoms. They may be given orally or intravenously. They include:

• Beta interferon drugs (e.g. Avonex, Extavia)
• Monoclonal antibody drugs (e.g. ocrelizumab / Ocrevus) are FDA-approved for primary progressive MS.
• Other FDA approved drugs include Copaxone, Gilenya, Aubagio, and Tecfidera, all of which address relapsing forms of MS.
• Immunosuppressant treatment, Novantrone, is approved for the treatment of advanced or chronic MA. Ampyra can improve walking in individuals with MS.

The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends other specific medicines to treat common symptoms such as urinary problems, constipation, depression, erectile dysfunction, pain and muscle stiffness.

Non-Drug Treatments for MS

Physical and occupational therapies can help reduce disability and pain. Braces, canes and walkers may help preserve mobility. Most sufferers may need to use a wheelchair or mobility scooter at some time, but many will not become wheelchair dependent. Speech, cognitive, and psychological therapies, as well as antidepressant drugs, may also be beneficial.

Alternative therapies are abound, but few are supported by research. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) reports that the following therapies are backed by research:

• Mind and body practices, such as yoga, acupuncture, and reflexology.
• Dietary supplements, such as Ginkgo biloba and vitamin D.
• Magnetic therapy.
• Cannabis products. Though controversial there is mounting evidence that a group of phytochemicals called cannabinoids found in the cannabis family of plants (including hemp and marijuana) may help with muscle control in MS and other symptoms. THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid, famous for creating the “high” with marijuana. Cannabidiol / CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid with neuroprotective properties: See our article on CBD for more information.

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