Skip to content
WebMD: Better Information. Better Health.
Other search tools:Symptoms|Doctors

Multiple Sclerosis Health Center

Multiple Sclerosis Overview

Multiple sclerosis affects the brain and spinal cord. Early symptoms of multiple sclerosis include weakness, tingling, numbness, and blurred vision. Other possible warning signs are muscle stiffness, thinking problems, and urinary problems. A multiple sclerosis diagnosis is made by the history of symptoms and a neurological exam, often with the help of tests such as an MRI or a spinal tap. No one’s sure what causes multiple sclerosis, but it may be hereditary. There’s no cure for multiple sclerosis, but treatment can relieve worsening of symptoms.

Select a Chapter

Latest Headlines
Seasonal Pattern Is Seen in MS Patients
Brain lesions associated with increased multiple sclerosis activity appear in patients more often between the months of March and August, a new study shows.

Multiple Sclerosis: Recognizing Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis symptoms generally appear between the ages of 20 and 40. Typically a person is seen after developing two or more distinct episodes of symptoms that resolve yet are consistent with MS.

 

webMD Video

Show or hide information about video: Yoga for MS   Yoga for MS

Yoga’s healing powers are now helping MS patients lead happier, healthier lives.

Watch Video: Yoga for MS (opens in a new window)

Show or hide information about video: Future of MS Treatment   Future of MS Treatment

Show or hide information about video: MS Profile: Smooth Sailing   MS Profile: Smooth Sailing

Show or hide information about video: Multiple Sclerosis and Exercise   Multiple Sclerosis and Exercise

Show or hide information about video: Reducing Urinary Incontinence   Reducing Urinary Incontinence

Popular Slideshows & Tools on WebMD

Thumbnail of young woman touching skin
Shingles, eczema, and more.
Food Frauds Slide Show
Sneaky little diet wreckers.
thumbnail of black widow spider
Identify bugs and their bites.
Erectile Dysfunction Slideshow
Are you at risk?
thumbnail for organic foods slideshow
Committed to healthy eating?
thumbnail for Brain Food slideshow
Best ways to focus.
thumbnail for precancerous lesions slideshow
Learn the ABCDEs of skin cancer.
thumbnail for fatigue slideshow
Causes, fixes for fatigue.
27 Ways Pets Can Improve Your Health
How they're good for you.
Vitamin D Slideshow
Nutrition's newest star?

Women's Health Newsletter

Find out what women really need.