Multiple Sclerosis
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
![dizzy and fatigued MS flare](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/neurology/multiple-sclerosis/how-to-spot-the-signs-of-an-ms-flare-alt-1440x810.jpg)
How 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, MD![](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/neurology/multiple-sclerosis/your-visual-guide-to-multiple-sclerosis-symptoms-main-article-nerve-hero-image-header.jpg)
Your Visual Guide to Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms
Learn about the impact of multiple sclerosis (MS) on the body, its varied symptoms, and how to manage them. Understand...
By Kerry Weiss![real people with RRMS](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/neurology/multiple-sclerosis/cs-relapsing-remitting-ms-affects-everyone-alt-2-1440x810.jpg)
Relapsing-Remitting MS: The Disease That Affects Everyone Differently
This type of multiple sclerosis is characterized by relapses followed by remissions, but symptoms vary widely ...
By Quinn Phillips![memory test with shapes](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/neurology/multiple-sclerosis/cs-cognitive-function-testing-for-multiple-sclerosis-alt-1440x810.jpg)
Cognitive Function Testing for Multiple Sclerosis: Why You Should Do It and When
MS is often linked to cognitive issues, such as memory problems and mental fatigue. Cognitive function tests are...
By Don Rauf![woman explaining symptoms to her doctor in a doctor's office](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/neurology/multiple-sclerosis/cs-tips-for-explaining-multiple-sclerosis-symptoms-1440x810.jpg)
5 Dos and Don’ts for Talking to the Doctor About Your MS Symptoms
Finding ways to explain MS symptoms like fatigue, pain, or numbness to your healthcare team isn’t always easy....
By Erica PatinoCauses, Risk Factors, and Prevention
![pack of cigarettes, a globe of the world, a strand of dna](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/neurology/multiple-sclerosis/can-you-prevent-multiple-sclerosis-alt1-1440x810.jpg)
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 Brichford![female lower torso hips and bladder](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/neurology/multiple-sclerosis/utis-and-ms-how-to-prevent-alt-1440x810.jpg)
UTIs 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, RN![MS-as-a-black-person-youre-not-alone-1440x810](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/neurology/multiple-sclerosis/ms-as-a-black-person-youre-not-alone-1440x810.jpg)
MS 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 Weiss![woman with UTI pain](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/neurology/multiple-sclerosis/uti-diagnosis-and-treatment-when-you-have-ms-1440x810.jpg)
UTIs 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 Weiss![cs-Can-Gut-Health-Affect-Multiple-Sclerosis-1440x810](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/neurology/multiple-sclerosis/cs-can-gut-health-affect-multiple-sclerosis-1440x810.jpg)
Can 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
![MS can cause breathing problems](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/neurology/multiple-sclerosis/when-ms-affects-your-lungs-1440x810.jpg)
Why 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, LPC![mature woman speaking with her doctor](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/neurology/multiple-sclerosis/facts-about-primary-progressive-ms-alt-1440x810.jpg)
10 Essential Facts About Primary-Progressive MS
Learn about primary-progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), its symptoms, challenges in diagnosis, and treatment...
By Quinn Phillips![tremors and shakes](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/neurology/multiple-sclerosis/getting-a-handle-on-ms-tremors-and-shakes-1440x810.jpg)
Getting a Handle on MS Tremors and Shakes
Some people with multiple sclerosis develop tremors in the hands and other areas of the body. Here’s how to prevent...
By Denise Mann![doctor and patient looking at brain scan](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/what-happens-if-multiple-sclerosis-goes-untreated-1440x810.jpg)
What Happens if Multiple Sclerosis Goes Untreated?
While it’s hard to know how any one person’s MS will unfold, doctors know that for most people, treatment helps...
By Becky Upham![walking physical therapy](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/neurology/multiple-sclerosis/ms-foot-drop-how-to-move-in-the-right-direction-main-722x406.jpg)
How to Keep Walking With MS-Related Foot Drop
Foot drop caused by multiple sclerosis can lead to falls. Here are treatment options that can help, from physical...
By Regina Boyle WheelerDiet And Nutrition
![crackers donut pasta trans fat sugar gluten](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/neurology/multiple-sclerosis/cs-foods-to-reconsider-if-you-have-ms-1440x810.jpg)
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. Orenstein![woman cooking fish with lemon and dill in kitchen](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/neurology/multiple-sclerosis/energy-boosting-nutrients-for-ms-fatigue-1440x810.jpg)
7 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 Bowers![yogurt smoothie bowls and nuts](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/neurology/multiple-sclerosis/myths-and-facts-about-diet-and-multiple-sclerosis-1440x810.jpg)
4 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, RDN![breakfast quinoa green peas spinach and poached egg](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/neurology/multiple-sclerosis/quick-and-easy-breakfast-ideas-for-multiple-sclerosis-1440x810.jpg)
Tips 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, RDN![anti-inflammatory foods for MS](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/neurology/multiple-sclerosis/anti-inflammation-foods-for-multiple-sclerosis-hero-1440x810.jpg)
8 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
![lydia emily](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/neurology/multiple-sclerosis/ms-resilience-lydia-emily-alt-1440x810.jpg)
Painting 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. Dunleavy![Jonathan Allenger](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/neurology/multiple-sclerosis/ms-progression-hits-home-for-bicyclist-and-fund-raiser-1440x810.jpg)
MS 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 Vos![Montel Williams, Christina Applegate, Emma Caulfield](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/neurology/multiple-sclerosis/celebrities-with-multiple-sclerosis-hero-alt-1440x810.jpg)
13 Celebrities Who Have Multiple Sclerosis
Millions of people worldwide have MS, including some famous celebrities. Learn how MS affects Christina Applegate...
By Regina Boyle Wheeler![Jack Osbourne](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/neurology/multiple-sclerosis/jack-osbourne-ms-profile-722x406.jpg)
Jack 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
![with Jaco robotic arm wheelchair](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/neurology/multiple-sclerosis/best-tech-for-primary-progressive-ms-1440x810.jpg)
6 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 Onderdonk![points on a map](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/neurology/multiple-sclerosis/why-your-zip-code-matters-if-you-have-multiple-sclerosis-1440x810.jpg)
Why 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. Orenstein![woman's hands putting toothpaste on an electric toothbrush over sink](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/neurology/multiple-sclerosis/how-ms-can-affect-your-oral-health-alt-1440x810.jpg)
How 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![concerned woman on her cell phone in living room calling 911](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/neurology/multiple-sclerosis/when-to-seek-and-avoid-emergency-care-for-ms-alt1-1440x810.jpg)
When to Seek, and Avoid, Emergency Care for MS
Most MS symptoms won’t send you to the hospital emergency department, but there may be times when you need care...
By Becky Upham![man doing yoga stretches on mat in living room](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/neurology/multiple-sclerosis/best-exercises-when-you-have-ms-00-intro-alt-1-1440x810.jpg)
6 Best Exercises to Boost Wellness When You Have Multiple Sclerosis
Try these exercises to manage the symptoms of multiple sclerosis; improve strength, flexibility, and balance; ...
By Beth W. Orenstein