Multiple Sclerosis

Follow along on our guide to Multiple Sclerosis, a chronic disease of the central nervous system. It is thought to be an autoimmune disease, where the body for unknown reasons attacks the myelin that protects the nerves, damaging it and causing a range of unpredictable symptoms such as blurred vision, movement problems, and communication difficulties. The specific symptoms and severity depend on which part of the brain or spinal cord has been affected, and can vary not only from patient to patient but for each individual depending on the course of the disease. Each step of the Medical Journey will delve into another aspect of the condition, including causes and diagnosis, genetic factors, related conditions, therapy options, coping strategies, and lessons learned from unique case studies – all of which have undergone expert review. Every installment will also include a separate, downloadable, printable information resource for patients.

Early Diagnosis Can Mean Better Outcomes in Multiple Sclerosis

–Follow the 2017 McDonald criteria and be aware that U.S. prevalence may be broader than expected

Illustration of the letter i on a piece of paper over a hand over multiple sclerosis

Patient Handout

For Your Patients: What to Expect After a Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis

How Does Multiple Sclerosis Start?

–"Inside out" vs "outside in" debate, and new perceptions about the role of EBV and gray matter

Illustration of radar identifiying where MS originated from over multiple sclerosis

Patient Handout

For Your Patients: What Are the Different Types of MS?

The Deep and Multidimensional Connection Between Multiple Sclerosis and Depression

–Both depression and suicide rates are high in MS patients, but there are effective treatments

Illustration of ways of managing depression over multiple sclerosis

Patient Handout

For Your Patients: Coping With the Mental Health Challenges of Multiple Sclerosis

Case Study: Sudden Blurred Vision in a Young Woman

–Here's how the alarming visual symptoms eventually led to the correct diagnosis

Illustration of a written case study over multiple sclerosis

Early Aggressive Treatment May Work Best in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Sclerosis

–The familiar paradigm of gradually escalating treatment may lead to greater loss of function

Illustration of different early treatment options over multiple sclerosis

Patient Handout

For Your Patients: The Benefits of Early Aggressive Treatment for MS

How Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Differs From Relapsing-Remitting MS

–Treatment paradigm varies from other MS disease courses

Illustration of progression of MS over multiple sclerosis

Patient Handout

For Your Patients: Understanding Progressive MS and Relapsing MS

The Challenge of Cognitive Changes in Multiple Sclerosis

–About half of all people with MS will have cognitive symptoms due to the disease

Illustration of no smoking symbol, healthy food, etc over a blood droplet with an upward arrow over cholesterol

Patient Handout

For Your Patients: Understanding Cognitive Changes in Multiple Sclerosis

Case Study: What Is the Cause of This Right-Sided Numbness, Headache, and Blurred Vision?

–Clinicians consider brain tumor or abscess, before finding the completely unrelated cause

Improving Multiple Sclerosis Care for Black Patients

–Traditional thinking about MS doesn't capture the true complexity and increased prevalence in Black patients

Illustration of a black male with a stethoscope and medical red cross sign over multiple sclerosis

Patient Handout

For Your Patients: The Challenges Faced by Black People With MS

Coming Soon

All Medical Journeys

Alzheimer's Disease Atopic Dermatitis Breast Cancer Cardiomyopathy Endometriosis HIV Heart Failure Hypercholesterolemia Melanoma Multiple Sclerosis Osteoporosis Prostate Cancer Rheumatoid Arthritis Ulcerative Colitis Urothelial Cancer Urticaria