Multiple Sclerosis
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Multiple Sclerosis: The Basics
Multiple Sclerosis, often abbreviated as MS, is a lifelong disease of the central nervous system which can cause a range of symptoms throughout the body. It is believed to be an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath, a protective covering for nerve fibers in the central nervous system. This results in inflammation and damage, leading to a variety of symptoms which may change or fluctuate over time. While the exact cause of MS remains unknown, it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Multiple Sclerosis News
Symptoms and Diagnosis
The Role of MRI in an MS Diagnosis
Explore how MRI plays a crucial role in diagnosing multiple sclerosis as well as the different types of MRI scans...
By Brian P. DunleavyWhat Is the MS Hug?
An MS hug, a symptom of multiple sclerosis, causes a tight, squeezing sensation in the chest. Learn its causes...
By Ana SandoiuWhat Multiple Sclerosis Looks Like in Your Brain
Discover how multiple sclerosis (MS) brain lesions cause cognitive symptoms like "cog fog," memory issues, and...
By Quinn Phillips9 Unusual Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis
Learn more about some of the less common symptoms of MS, from speech disorders to tremors.
By Beth W. OrensteinHow to Spot the Signs of an MS Flare
How to tell if you’re having a multiple sclerosis relapse — and how to manage it.
By Chris Iliades, MDCauses, Risk Factors, and Prevention
Can You Prevent Multiple Sclerosis?
Scientists are beginning to understand what raises a person’s risk of MS, but how close are they to finding ways...
By Connie BrichfordUTIs and MS: How to Prevent This All-Too-Common Problem
Learn how MS can lead to bladder dysfunction, increasing UTI risks, and explore prevention and treatment options...
By David Spero, RNMS as a Black Person: You’re Not Alone
MS has long been considered a ‘white person’s disease,’ but we’re learning more about its prevalence and impact...
By Kerry WeissUTIs and MS: The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are especially common among people who have multiple sclerosis (MS) and can cause...
By Kerry WeissCan Gut Health Affect Multiple Sclerosis?
Studies consistently find people with multiple sclerosis (MS) have an altered gut microbiome compared with healthy...
By Kerry WeissTreatments and Complications
Infusion Treatments for Multiple Sclerosis
Learn about infusion treatments for multiple sclerosis, how they work, how to prepare for treatment, and potential...
By Joseph Bennington-CastroMS Spinal Cord Lesions: Everything You Need to Know
The brain isn’t the only place where MS lesions can develop — the disease can also attack the spinal cord, which...
By Quinn PhillipsMultiple Sclerosis (MS) Tremors
Some people with multiple sclerosis develop tremors in the hands and other areas of the body. Here’s how to prevent...
By Denise MannWhy MS Can Affect Your Breathing — and What You Can Do About It
MS can affect multiple processes that control or modulate breathing. Here’s what you can do to improve your respiratory...
By Madeline R. Vann, MPH, LPC10 Essential Facts About Primary-Progressive MS
Learn about primary-progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), its symptoms, challenges in diagnosis, and treatment...
By Quinn PhillipsDiet And Nutrition
7 Foods to Avoid When You Have Multiple Sclerosis
Eating a nutritious diet boosts overall health and helps with multiple sclerosis management. But knowing what ...
By Beth W. Orenstein7 Ways to Fight MS Fatigue With Your Fork
Fatigue is common in multiple sclerosis, but getting enough of these dietitian-approved nutrients can help give...
By Elizabeth Shimer Bowers4 Myths About Multiple Sclerosis and Diet
Although certain diets are sometimes touted as solutions for multiple sclerosis, they often lack evidence to support...
By Mona Bostick, RDNTips for Quick and Easy Breakfasts When You Have MS (Plus Tasty Options to Try)
If MS symptoms like fatigue complicate your morning meal, simple strategies like making breakfast ahead of time...
By Mona Bostick, RDN8 Anti-Inflammatory Foods for Multiple Sclerosis
Inflammation plays a role in the development of MS. Could an anti-inflammatory diet help prevent it or reduce ...
By Mikel TheobaldMultiple Sclerosis Patient Stories
15 Celebrities Who Have Multiple Sclerosis
Millions of people worldwide have MS, including some famous celebrities. Learn how MS affects Christina Applegate...
By Regina Boyle WheelerPainting Helps Artist Lydia Emily Deal With the Pain and Suffering of MS
Multiple sclerosis has thrown tremors, vision loss, pain, muscle weakness, and memory loss at muralist Lydia Emily...
By Brian P. DunleavyMS Progression Hits Home for Bicyclist and Fundraiser
As he rides across Canada to raise funds and awareness, Jonathan Allenger is dealing with the mental health consequences...
By Julie De VosJack Osbourne: ‘MS Is Different for Everyone’
Ever since his diagnosis in 2012, TV personality Jack Osbourne has felt an obligation to speak out about MS and...
By Ingrid StrauchLiving With Multiple Sclerosis
8 Steps to Better Walking With MS
Muscle weakness, fatigue, and balance problems can make walking difficult when you have multiple sclerosis, but...
By Brian P. DunleavyMultiple Sclerosis (MS) and Pregnancy: What You Should Know
Explore how MS affects pregnancy and learn key considerations for handling medications and relapses during this...
By Quinn Phillips6 Top Tech Recommendations for Primary-Progressive MS
Adaptive devices like voice-activated beds and robotic arms can ease life with PPMS and increase your independence...
By Max Lee OnderdonkWhy Your ZIP Code Matters if You Have Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis can be affected by hot and cold temperatures and other factors like stress and transportation...
By Beth W. OrensteinHow MS Can Affect Your Oral Health
Discover how multiple sclerosis affects oral health and learn tips to maintain dental hygiene despite MS symptoms...
By Shira Isenberg, RD, MPH