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Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a life-long chronic disease of the central nervous system that can cause symptoms of varying degree. Learn more about MS ›

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Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system. It is thought to be an autoimmune disorder. It is an unpredictable condition that can be relatively benign, disabling, or devastating. Some individuals with MS may be mildly affected while others may lose their ability to write, speak, or walk - when communication between the brain and other parts of the body becomes disrupted.

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Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Different types of MS affect people in different ways. One type is called relapsing-remitting MS. With this type, people have flare-ups of the disease, or relapses. Between these flare-ups, people have periods of recovery, or remissions.

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Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

Some people with MS have flare-ups of symptoms interspersed with periods of recovery. This is called relapsing MS. With the type called primary progressive MS, the disease keeps getting worse from the beginning. In general, this type affects you steadily without causing flare-ups or improvement in the condition.

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Your Guide to Multiple Sclerosis

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Expert Advice from Harvard Medical School

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Glossary of Multiple Sclerosis Terms

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Autonomic Nervous System, CSF, Cerebrum, CIS, Dysphagia, EEG, Flexor Muscle, Lumbar Puncture, MRI, MS, Myelin Basic Protein, Plaque, Spasm, Spinal Tap, White Matter

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