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MS FAQs

Below you’ll find some of the most frequently asked questions—and a few not so common—concerning multiple sclerosis. For the answers, click on a question or select the Show All button to see all the answers.
What is MS?
Multiple sclerosis is believed to be an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS). Autoimmune means that the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissue, in this case the tissues of the CNS.

Your CNS consists of your brain and spinal cord, which contain nerve cells called neurons. Neurons send signals within the CNS to other parts of the body that control your physical functions, such as balance, muscle coordination, as well as thinking and other cognitive abilities. These signals pass from neuron to neuron by way of nerve fibers called axons. Axons have a protective covering called myelin, which aids them in carrying these signals. With MS, autoimmune damage to the myelin, axons, and neurons disrupts the body’s ability to send and receive signals, thus causing MS-related symptoms.

While it is true that the CNS is the site of MS damage and that MS symptoms are neurological, MS also involves another biological system: the immune system. It is therefore important to expand our view of MS beyond the CNS to include an understanding of the immune system.
What causes MS?
The exact cause of multiple sclerosis is unknown. Scientists have not discovered what triggers the immune system to attack the central nervous system, but most agree that genetics, gender, and environment are likely to be factors.1 MS is not contagious.2
Can MS be cured?
Multiple sclerosis cannot be cured, but there are several treatments available to lessen the signs and symptoms.2  The goal of the available relapsing-remitting MS therapies is to reduce the frequency of relapses and to suppress new damage to your nervous system. Unfortunately, damage that already exists may not be repaired by therapy. Learn more about the importance of treatment.
What does MS have to do with my immune system?
Multiple sclerosis is believed to be an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS). Autoimmune means that the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissue, in this case the tissues of the CNS.

While it is true that the CNS is the site of MS damage and that MS symptoms are neurological, MS also involves another biological system: the immune system. It is therefore important to expand our view of MS beyond the CNS to include an understanding of the immune system.
What are the warning signs and symptoms of MS?3
Because many multiple sclerosis symptoms imitate other diseases and some are not observable to the naked eye, MS can be difficult to diagnose. MS symptoms also vary from person to person, and may fluctuate over time.

People with MS can experience any of the following at various times:
  • Numbness
  • Balance problems, stumbling
  • Slurred speech
  • Bladder problems
  • Bowel problems
  • Cognitive difficulties
  • Depression
  • Fatigue
  • Blurred vision
  • Dizziness
How is MS diagnosed?
Because many symptoms of multiple sclerosis imitate other diseases and some symptoms are not observable to the naked eye, MS can be difficult to diagnose.3

To diagnose MS, a neurologist will first take a medical history and look for changes in a person’s reflexes, strength, and response to sound, touch, and other senses. The doctor may also conduct evoked potentials tests to check vision, hearing, and general sensory levels; magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect brain lesions; and a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis.4

Diagnosis is based on test results plus the number of relapses (also called flare-ups, exacerbations, or attacks) experienced over time. Diagnosing MS can take weeks, months, or years since symptoms may be inactive for long periods of time.
How prevalent is MS?5
Multiple sclerosis is believed to affect more than 2 million people worldwide and approximately 400,000 people in the United States. MS affects all races, but is more common among people of northern European ancestry. Most people are diagnosed with MS between the ages of 20 and 50, and women are 2 to 3 times more likely to have MS than men. Some data also suggest that living in areas farther north from the equator may predispose an individual to developing MS.
Are there different types of MS? What distinguishes them?2
There are 4 known types of multiple sclerosis.

Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS): affects about 85% of people who are newly diagnosed
  • Relapses are usually followed by partial or complete recovery
  • Symptoms may then be inactive for months or years
 
Primary-progressive MS (PPMS): a less common form of MS; affects approximately 10% of all people with MS
  • Slow onset with continuous worsening
  • May level off or continue for months and years

Secondary-progressive MS (SPMS):
  • The stage that follows RRMS
  • Occasional relapses possible
  • Symptoms can remain constant with no remission
  • Progressive disability possible late in the disease

Progressive-relapsing MS (PRMS): the rarest form; affects approximately 5% of all people with MS
  • People may experience relapses with or without complete recovery, as in RRMS
  • May go through a steady worsening after diagnosis, as in PPMS
How does the neurologist determine what type of MS a person has?4
The diagnosis of what type of multiple sclerosis a person has is based on test results and the pattern and frequency of symptoms. Diagnosing MS can take weeks, months, or years since symptoms may be inactive for long periods of time, and disease progression varies from person to person—no 2 cases of MS are identical.
How is disability measured?6
Neurologists use a variety of tests to measure a person’s mobility. The most widely used scale is the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), a measurement that assesses mobility in half-step increments on a scale of 0 to 10 (0 indicating normal mobility).

EDSS (Expanded Disability Status Scale) assessing mobility
What is a relapse?
A relapse is when a person’s multiple sclerosis symptoms worsen, or new symptoms appear (also called an attack, exacerbation, or flare-up).

It is important to reduce relapses throughout the course of MS. An analysis of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) database shows that approximately 45% of people with MS who were not on therapy and had a relapse did not recover some of the physical abilities they had before the relapse.7 The primary goal of MS therapy is to reduce relapses, so the NMSS recommends starting therapy as soon as possible after diagnosis.8
What drugs are available to treat MS?
There are several therapies available to manage multiple sclerosis, and a few in development. Choosing the right therapy is an important decision. You’ll want one that not only alleviates your MS symptoms, but also fits into your lifestyle and helps you maintain your overall health.

MS is believed to be an autoimmune disease, so when deciding on a therapy it is important to consider your immune system and what it means for your MS and the treatments available to you. Click here to learn more about your immune system and MS therapies.
How can I tell if my therapy is working?
There are some questions you can ask yourself about how well your multiple sclerosis therapy is working. Have you had fewer relapses since you began your therapy? How does your therapy make you feel? For some more insight, click here.
 
There are also some tools and techniques your doctor may use to monitor your therapy’s progress:
 
  • MRI—Magnetic Resonance Imaging:9
    An MRI is a procedure that allows a non-invasive look inside the body. An MRI can allow your doctor to see any recent disease activity and measure disease progress by tracking the types and severity of brain lesions. Click here to learn more about MRIs.
 
  • EDSS—Expanded Disability Status Scale:6
    The EDSS measures an MS patient’s mobility in half-step increments on a scale of 0 to 10 (0=normal mobility). A score of 0–5.5 means a patient is able to get around on their own for the most part, while scores of 6 or higher describe escalating degrees of disability. To learn more about EDSS, click here.

To learn more about how to track your treatment success, click here.
Is there anything else I can do, besides taking MS medications?
As is true for everyone, eating a healthy, well-balanced diet and exercising regularly are 2 positive things you can do in addition to taking your multiple sclerosis medication. Exercise has been proven to help with many MS symptoms.10,11 Be sure, however, to check with your doctor or health care provider before starting any exercise regimen.
Should I change my diet?
You may hear about special “MS diets” on the Internet or from friends, but there is no scientific evidence to support that they are any better for you than simply eating a healthy, well-balanced diet.




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References:

1. What causes MS. National Multiple Sclerosis Society Web site. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/what-we-know-about-ms/what-causes-ms/index.aspx. Accessed September 15, 2010. 2. Just the facts. National Multiple Sclerosis Society Web site. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/what-is-ms/download.aspx?id=22. Accessed September 15, 2010. 3. Symptoms. National Multiple Sclerosis Society Web site. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/what-we-know-about-ms/symptoms/index.aspx. Accessed September 15, 2010. 4. The basic facts: diagnosis. National Multiple Sclerosis Society Web site. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/download.aspx?id=46. Accessed September 15, 2010. 5. Who gets MS? National Multiple Sclerosis Society Web site. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/what-we-know-about-ms/who-gets-ms/index.aspx. Accessed September 13, 2010. 6. Lublin FD, Cutter GR, Baier M. Neurology. 2000;54(suppl 3):A217. 7. Expert opinion paper. National Multiple Sclerosis Society Web site. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/download.aspx?id=8. Accessed September 13, 2010. 8. Living with MS: Newly diagnosed. National Multiple Sclerosis Society Web site. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/newly-diagnosed/index.aspx. Accessed September 22, 2010. 9. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). National Multiple Sclerosis Society Web site. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/ about-multiple-sclerosis/what-we-know-about-ms/diagnosing-ms/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri/index.aspx. Accessed September 13, 2010. 10. Exercise. National Multiple Sclerosis Society Web site. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/living-with-multiple-sclerosis/ healthyliving/exercise/index.aspx. Accessed September 13, 2010. 11. Exercise as part of everyday life. National Multiple Sclerosis Society Web site. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/multimedia-library/brochures/staying-well/download.aspx?id=74. Accessed September 13, 2010.

COP100006402/102270
  • COPAXONE® (glatiramer acetate injection) is indicated for the reduction of the frequency of relapses in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, including patients who have experienced a first clinical episode and have MRI features consistent with multiple sclerosis.

Important Safety Information About COPAXONE®

  • The most common side effects of COPAXONE® are redness, pain, swelling, itching, or a lump at the site of injection, flushing, rash, shortness of breath, and chest pain. These reactions are usually mild and seldom require professional treatment. Be sure to tell your doctor about any side effects.

    Some patients report a short-term reaction right after injecting COPAXONE®. This reaction can involve flushing (feeling of warmth and/or redness), chest tightness or pain with heart palpitations, anxiety, and trouble breathing. These symptoms generally appear within minutes of an injection, last about 15 minutes, and go away by themselves without further problems.

    A permanent indentation under the skin at the injection site may occur, due to a local destruction of fat tissue. Be sure to follow proper injection technique and inform your doctor of any skin changes.

    After you inject COPAXONE®, call your doctor right away if you develop hives, skin rash with irritation, dizziness, sweating, chest pain, trouble breathing, severe pain at the injection site or other uncomfortable changes in your general health. Do not give yourself any more injections until your doctor tells you to begin again.

    You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

#1 Prescribed RRMS therapy in the US*

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*IMS Health National Prescription Audit, May 2011. Data is proprietary to IMS Health.
 

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