Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is generally classified into four main types:

• Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS) : This is the first episode of neurological symptoms where MS-like symptoms last for more than 24 hours.

• Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS): This is the most common type. In RRMS, symptoms suddenly worsen (relapses) and are followed by periods of partial or complete recovery (remissions). About 85% of people with MS are initially diagnosed with RRMS.

• Primary Progressive MS (PPMS): In PPMS, symptoms gradually worsen from the beginning, with no early relapses or remissions. About 15% of people with MS are diagnosed with PPMS.

• Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS): Many people who initially have RRMS eventually transition to SPMS. In this stage, neurological function gradually declines, and disability increases over time.

There is no single test for MS. Doctors use a combination of medical history, physical examination, and specialized tests to confirm the diagnosis.

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) 

• Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Test

•  Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

•  Evoked Potential Tests

•  Blood Tests

•  Neuropsychological Tests

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a complex neurological disease that shares symptoms with many other conditions. While a General Practitioner can help identify early signs, only a neurologist can confirm the diagnosis using specialized tests like MRI, lumbar puncture, and nerve studies, interpreted with the McDonald Criteria.

Early, accurate diagnosis matters—it ensures the right treatment, reduces relapses, and slows disease progression.

Disability may come from:

• Relapses (attacks): sudden worsening of symptoms, sometimes with partial recovery.

• Progression: gradual worsening over months to years.

• Sudden or new vision problems

• Feeling muscle weakness or heaviness

• Experiencing extreme fatigue

• Difficulty in swallowing food or drink

• Bladder dysfunction

• Disease Modifying Therapy: Slow disability progression.

• Physiotherapy & Exercise: Keeps muscles strong, improves balance, prevents stiffness.

• Occupational Therapy: Helps adapt daily activities (special tools, home modifications).

• Speech Therapy: Improves communication and swallowing.

• Healthy Lifestyle: Balanced diet, enough sleep, stress management.

• Mental Health: Counseling or support groups to cope with changes.

• Use mobility aids (cane, walker) if needed 

• Plan and pace activities to avoid fatigue

• Keep your home safe (ensure adequate lighting and install handrails where needed)

• Avoid isolation and stay socially active

• Keep a record of each symptom: note the date, what happened, and how long it lasted.

• If a symptom lasts more than 24 hours, contact your doctor promptly.

• Never stop or change your medication without your doctor’s advice.

• Follow your doctor’s instructions for blood tests and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging).

MS is not an inherited or infectious disease. There are a variety of risk factors that increase the odds of developing MS. It is important to be aware of your individual risk factors that could trigger MS, such as:

• Age: While MS can develop at any stage of life, it is most frequently diagnosed in individuals between the ages of 20 and 50.

• Biological Sex: Women are three times more likely than men to be diagnosed with relapsing forms of MS.

• Geography: The condition is notably more common in regions located farther away from the equator.

• Vitamin D & Sunlight: Having low levels of vitamin D or limited exposure to natural sunlight is linked to a higher risk.

• Pre-existing Autoimmune Conditions: If you already manage an autoimmune disease—such as type 1 diabetes, thyroid disease, lupus, or inflammatory bowel disease—your chances of developing MS increase.

• Past Infections: Exposure to specific viruses and bacteria (including the Epstein-Barr virus, human herpesvirus 6, measles, canine distemper, and chlamydia pneumonia) has been tied to higher MS rates.

• Smoking: Tobacco use significantly elevates risk, showing roughly a 50% increase compared to non-smokers.

• Obesity: Carrying excess weight, particularly during childhood or early adulthood, can also raise your risk profile.

Approximately 2.9 million people across the globe are living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) is a chronic disease of the nervous system. It is characterized by periodic flare-ups of symptoms (relapses) followed by periods of partial or complete recovery where symptoms fade away (remissions). This is the most common type of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS) is a specific type of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It is a disease of the nervous system where there are no sudden, acute attacks (relapses) or periods of temporary recovery (remissions). Instead, from the very onset of the disease, the symptoms gradually and continuously worsen over time.

Based on available public information. If your organization has MS treatment facilities, please let us know so that we can update this list.

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