Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord (the central nervous system). As symptoms may be vague and overlap with other conditions, it can take a neurologist specially trained in MS to properly diagnose the disease and develop a comprehensive treatment plan. We listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and work to meet your health goals.

Signs and Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis damages the myelin, the outer nerve coverings within the brain and spinal cord. Parts of the myelin impacted by MS are called lesions. These lesions can make it difficult for the brain to send signals to the rest of the body.

The location and severity of the lesions can lead to a variety of symptoms. Symptoms can vary from person to person. They can last for days or weeks and then partially or fully resolve. Symptoms may persist or worsen over time.

Common Symptoms of MS:

• Numbness or weakness in one or more limbs, typically on one side of the body at a time
• Tingling
• Electric shock sensations that occur with certain neck movements
• Lack of coordination
• Balance problems or difficulty walking
• Facial pain or weakness
• Vision changes, including blurriness, pain, or color distortion
• Severe, ongoing dizziness
• Fatigue
• Muscle stiffness (spasticity)
• Slurred speech
• Cognitive problems
• Sexual, bowel, or bladder function
• Depression

Who is most likely to have MS?

MS can occur at any age, but onset often occurs between ages 20 and 40. It has long been mischaracterized as a disease that only affects white women. You can develop MS regardless of your sex assigned at birth and racial background. Family history may increase your risk of having MS.

Types of Multiple Sclerosis

There are four main types of multiple sclerosis. The type of MS you have will determine your treatment at Virtua.

• Clinically isolated syndrome: Sometimes with a first episode of neurologic symptoms, the diagnostic criteria of MS are not yet met. Or there are no symptoms, but MRI imaging suggests MS. Studies show that early treatment can delay the onset of MS.
• Relapsing-remitting MS: This is the most common type of MS. People experience periods where symptoms increase, or relapse, followed by partial or complete remission in response to treatment.
• Primary-progressive MS: People experience a largely continuous worsening of their condition.
• Secondary-progressive MS: Thought of as a second phase of relapsing-remitting MS, neurologic function worsens over time and disability increases.

Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis at Virtua

Coming to a definitive MS diagnosis can be challenging given a vast array of similar disorders, or “mimickers,” such as lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome, lung sarcoidosis, or neuromyelitis.

This can lead to uncertainty, fear, and frustration. We hear you—and we understand. The Virtua MS team will listen to your concerns, guide you through the evaluation process, make a definitive diagnosis, and together develop a treatment plan using the most advanced options available.

Whether it is to establish a new diagnosis, revisit a previous diagnosis, or gain insight into your well-established diagnosis of MS or a mimicker condition, we aim to provide guidance and treatment for both the disease and its symptoms.

How do you test for MS?

In addition to a thorough review of your medical history, laboratory, imaging, and electrophysiological tests are performed to establish a definitive multiple sclerosis diagnosis, including:

• MRI of the brain and spinal cord to look for lesions, inflammation, and other signs of damage typically caused by MS
• Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to look for certain proteins released into the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord associated with damage to the myelin
• Blood tests to help rule out other conditions that can mimic MS, such as lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome, Lyme disease, or sarcoidosis
• Evoked potential tests that record electrical signals produced by your nervous system in response to stimuli