Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that damages the coating of nerve cells (myelin) in the brain and spinal cord. This damage disrupts the flow of information between your body and brain. Multiple sclerosis symptoms most often begin when you are between the ages of 20 and 40.

Symptoms of multiple sclerosis can vary widely from person to person. While one might have just a few multiple sclerosis symptoms, another could have many. Symptoms of MS may come and go or they may get worse. Symptoms also tend to change as the disease progresses.

We provide the latest therapies to help you cope with symptoms and improve your quality of life. Through medications, occupational therapy and other treatments, many symptoms can be managed effectively.

Multiple sclerosis symptoms

About 80 percent of people with MS have fatigue that makes it hard to function at home or at work. It can be the most noticeable symptom even if you have only a few other multiple sclerosis symptoms.

The “MS hug” (dysesthesia) is often the first symptom of MS or of a relapse. It’s described as a squeezing sensation around the torso that feels like the tightening of a blood pressure cuff.

Common multiple sclerosis symptoms

Other symptoms of MS include:

Less common multiple sclerosis symptoms include speech and swallowing problems, loss of taste, tremors or seizures, breathing problems and hearing loss.

Secondary symptoms of multiple sclerosis

Some symptoms happen because of the multiple sclerosis symptoms listed above. For example, you may have urinary tract infections because of long-term bladder dysfunction.

Such secondary multiple sclerosis symptoms can be treated, but treating the original (primary) symptoms is a better way to treat multiple sclerosis, as it can prevent the secondary symptoms of MS from happening or from recurring.

What causes MS?

The exact cause of multiple sclerosis is not known. Many theories have been explored and more research is necessary. However, researchers now agree that immune responses play a part in causing inflammation and damage to the central nervous system. T cells (a type of immune cell) enter the nervous system through the blood and release chemicals that damage nerves. Other immune cells are also involved.

Scientists are also studying the relationship between sunlight and MS because there are fewer cases of MS in areas closer to the equator. Since people in those areas are exposed to more sunlight, they have higher levels of vitamin D.

What are risk factors for MS?

Some factors that can increase the risk of developing MS include:

• Gender: Women are two to three times more likely to develop MS than men.
• Genetics: Having a first-degree relative with MS increases your risk of MS.
• Geography: Fewer MS cases are found in areas closer to the equator.
• Smoking: Growing evidence shows that smoking increases your risk of developing MS. It’s also tied to having more severe multiple sclerosis symptoms and making the disease progress more quickly.

Having any of these risk factors or experiencing any of the symptoms may mean you have MS. But there is no way to test yourself for MS at home. To get a diagnosis, you need to be seen and evaluated by a doctor.

Expert diagnosis of MS

Determining a diagnosis requires expert evaluation and leading-edge tools. Our evaluations include a physical exam, medical history and testing specific to your unique situation. Using the latest technology, our specialists provide a diagnosis and tell you about the progression of your disease.

Latest diagnostic technology

Several methods and technologies are used to diagnose MS, including:

• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): Provides detailed imaging of the brain and spinal cord for detecting lesions; non-invasive and most common test for MS
• Cerebrospinal fluid analysis: Checks for elevated levels of inflammatory cells using the spinal fluid from a spinal tap
• Evoked potential tests: Tracks electrical activity to determine how the brain reacts to stimuli; slower electrical impulses in brain are sign of MS
• Blood tests: Help rule out other conditions similar to MS like Lyme disease and AIDS

Identifying the type of MS

Although a patient may already be diagnosed with MS, Advocate doctors will want to identify the exact course of the disease so that an appropriate treatment plan can be determined. The multiple sclerosis specialists at Advocate Health Care offer world-class care to patients through progressive treatments and clinical research.

Sub-types of MS include the following:

• Relapsing-remitting: The most common form of MS. Patients experience short but frequent relapses or flare-ups of symptoms. Most MS patients are initially diagnosed with relapsing-remitting.
• Primary-progressive: Involves a slow, but steady progression from the onset of multiple sclerosis symptoms with no distinct relapses or remission.
• Secondary-progressive: Involves less frequent relapses that are longer lasting. About half of patients with relapsing-remitting MS progress to secondary-progressive MS within 10 to 12 years of initial diagnosis.
• Progressive-relapsing: Relatively rare form of MS, characterized by distinct relapses. Patients may or may not experience recovery between relapses and the disease steadily worsens over time without remission.

Comprehensive care for MS

Our comprehensive approach to care focuses on improving your quality of life. Our multidisciplinary team of specialists works closely together to develop the right care plan for each person’s unique needs.

What you can expect:

• Multidisciplinary team: Experienced neurologist works closely with a team of specialists, MS nurses and your primary care physician
• Comprehensive strategy: Coordinated care for all aspects of your journey, from diagnosis and treatment to therapy and emotional support
• Easy access to care: Locations across Chicago and the suburbs for expert care close to home

To schedule an appointment, call 800-3-ADVOCATE or find a neurologist online.

Comprehensive treatment & therapy

Our team will develop a strategy to address the many aspects of multiple sclerosis. While the disease's cause is still unknown and there is no cure, there are many steps we take to improve your quality of life. Through our affiliation with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, you can enroll in clinical drug trials and clinical trials that study the impacts of existing and potential new ways to treat multiple sclerosis.