You can schedule an appointment with our neurology team by calling 617-525-6550 or by submitting a request through our secure online form. We're here to support you every step of the way.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, nearly one million people in the U.S. have MS.
The Multiple Sclerosis Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital is a nationally recognized leader in MS care, combining world-class clinical expertise, cutting-edge research, and advanced imaging technology. As part of Harvard Medical School, the center offers comprehensive, patient-centered care from a team of specialists dedicated to improving outcomes and advancing the search for a cure.
Every case of multiple sclerosis is unique. Symptoms can vary widely in type, severity, and how they change over time. Some people may experience mild symptoms that come and go, while others may notice more persistent changes.
The first indicators of multiple sclerosis can be subtle. Some people experience symptoms that come on suddenly, while others may notice more gradual or vague changes. These symptoms may appear alone or in combination, and they don’t always seem related to MS at first.
Early symptoms can include:
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have MS. Consult your doctor to discuss possible causes.
Here are some of the more common symptoms associated with MS:
Not everyone with MS will experience all of these symptoms, and many of them can be caused by other health conditions as well. If you notice any of these signs and are concerned, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation and diagnosis.
Statistics show that women are more likely than men to develop MS. While many symptoms are shared, men are more likely to experience physical relapses and may see faster progression of physical and cognitive symptoms earlier in the disease course. Researchers believe sex hormones, including estrogen and testosterone, may influence these patterns.
Women, on the other hand, may notice changes in their symptoms during times of hormonal fluctuation—such as menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. They are also more likely to experience early symptoms like changes in vision or unusual skin sensations (e.g., tingling or numbness), while men more often report early signs like muscle weakness or difficulty walking.
MS is an autoimmune disease, which means the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks itself. In MS, the immune system damages the myelin, a fatty substance that protects and insulates the nerve fibers in the central nervous system.
When the myelin is damaged, it disrupts the normal flow of electrical signals between the brain and the rest of the body. This can lead to a wide range of neurological symptoms.
This process is driven by immune system dysfunction. Inflammation in the brain and spinal cord is caused by an abnormal immune response involving cells like T cells and B cells—the same cells that usually protect the body from viruses and infections. Researchers are continuing to study how these immune cells contribute to the onset and progression of MS, with the goal of finding more effective treatments.
Many people with MS are able to manage their symptoms effectively with the help of medications, lifestyle strategies, and support from their care team.
To schedule an appointment, contact the team at the Brigham and Women’s Multiple Sclerosis Center at 857-365-6505. We’re here to help.
The exact cause of multiple sclerosis is unknown, but research points to specific MS risk factors.
The most common types of the disease are:
It is now becoming more apparent that in some people, MS symptoms can continue to worsen even without relapses. This is known as progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA). This is why it’s so important to diagnose and start treatment early.
The term ‘sclerosis’ means scarring. When the myelin protecting your central nervous system gets damaged, scarring occurs in multiple areas of the brain and spinal cord.
For those living with MS and not receiving effective treatments, complications can emerge as the disease progresses. Muscle control may worsen over time, significantly affecting mobility and dexterity. One may need to use a mobility aid, such as a cane or wheelchair. Other common effects include bowel and bladder issues, sexual dysfunction, and cognitive problems.
MS may affect the brain, spinal cord, and the optic nerves. These areas control many important body functions, including movement, vision, and coordination. MS does not affect the peripheral nervous system (the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord) or the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions like heart rate and digestion.
In multiple sclerosis, the immune system damages myelin—the protective coating around nerve fibers (axons) in the brain. This damage disrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Because the brain controls many essential functions, MS can affect a wide range of abilities. Common symptoms include balance issues, tremors or muscle spasms, and difficulty standing or walking. Lesions in the optic nerve can also lead to vision problems.
Factors triggering MS symptoms vary by individual. Common reasons for flare-ups are stress, heat, infections and other illness and surgeries, and hormonal changes. Other factors that can exacerbate MS include smoking, excessive drinking, lack of sleep, poor diet, and certain medications.
Women are more likely to develop MS than men. Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40, but MS can also appear later in life—after age 50—known as late-onset multiple sclerosis). In rare cases, MS can appear in childhood, even as early as age three.
Geography may also play a role. People living farther from the equator appear to be at higher risk, possibly due to lower levels of sunlight and vitamin D. In addition, genetics and certain ethnic backgrounds may influence a person’s likelihood of developing MS.
Yes. Several autoimmune conditions can affect the central nervous system and may resemble multiple sclerosis in their symptoms or presentation.
One of the most well-known is neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) sometimes called the “sister disease” to MS. While NMOSD shares some overlapping features with MS—such as inflammation of the optic nerve and spinal cord—it usually does not affect the brain. People with NMOSD typically do not experience the cognitive issues often seen in MS.
Another condition that may look similar to MS is myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD). Like MS and NMOSD, MOGAD causes inflammation in the central nervous system, but it has a distinct cause and treatment approach.
The Multiple Sclerosis Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital is internationally recognized for providing the most advanced treatment options for people with MS. Its expert care is strengthened by a leading clinical research program at the forefront of discovery.
You can schedule an appointment with our neurology team by calling 857-365-6505 or by submitting a request through our secure online form.
For over a century, a leader in patient care, medical education and research, with expertise in virtually every specialty of medicine and surgery.
About BWH
