To diagnose MS, neurologists typically use neurologic exams, MRI scans to identify signs of inflammation in the brain and spine, and blood or spinal fluid tests to rule out other conditions. Early and accurate diagnosis helps start treatment sooner and reduce the risk of relapses.

MS treatment has two main goals: preventing relapses and managing symptoms. Common approaches include disease-modifying therapies to prevent relapses and new MRI lesions, symptom management for fatigue, spasticity, numbness, pain or bladder issues, and healthy lifestyle habits like exercise, nutrition, sleep, vitamin D supplementation and avoiding smoking. Your care team will tailor your treatment plan based on your symptoms and disease course.

Understanding multiple sclerosis: Expert answers to common patient questions

Q: What Are Common Myths About MS?

Myth: MS only affects young, white women. False. MS can affect anyone, though it is more common in women. Myth: MS prevents pregnancy or breastfeeding. False. People with MS can have healthy pregnancies and often breastfeed safely with guidance from their care team. Myth: Children of parents with MS will get it. False. Most children of parents with MS do not develop it. First-degree relative genetics slightly increases risk, but it’s not guaranteed. Myth: MS automatically causes severe disability. False. Many people with MS lead active, fulfilling lives, especially with modern treatments.

Key Takeaways

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological condition in which the immune system attacks the nervous system.
MS symptoms vary but can include fatigue, numbness and vision changes.
Early diagnosis and individualized treatment can prevent relapses, slow progression and help manage symptoms.

Multiple sclerosis doesn't have to define your life. This article offers expert answers to common patient questions about MS - including myths, symptoms, diagnostic process, treatments and how to live well with the condition.

Meet With an MS Expert Within 48 Hours

What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerves, disrupting communication between the brain and body. It can cause a wide range of symptoms and may present differently in each person.

What are common myths about MS?

Myth: MS only affects young, white women.
False. MS can affect anyone, though it is more common in women.

Myth: MS prevents pregnancy or breastfeeding.
False. People with MS can have healthy pregnancies and often breastfeed safely with guidance from their care team.

Myth: Children of parents with MS will get it.
False. Most children of parents with MS do not develop it. First-degree relative genetics slightly increases risk, but it’s not guaranteed.

Myth: MS automatically causes severe disability.
False. Many people with MS lead active, fulfilling lives, especially with modern treatments.

What are the symptoms of MS?

Symptoms vary depending on which parts of the brain and spine are affected and may include:

Vision changes
Numbness or weakness
Balance or walking difficulties
Fatigue or cognitive changes

Symptoms can come and go or gradually worsen. If new or worsening neurological symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, it may be an MS relapse and should be evaluated by a neurologist.

How is MS diagnosed?

To diagnose MS, neurologists typically use:

Neurologic exams
MRI scans to identify signs of inflammation in the brain and spine
Blood or spinal fluid tests to rule out other conditions

Early and accurate diagnosis helps start treatment sooner and reduce the risk of relapses.

How is MS treated?

MS treatment has two main goals: preventing relapses and managing symptoms. Common approaches include:

Disease-modifying therapies to prevent relapses and new MRI lesions
Symptom management for fatigue, spasticity, numbness, pain or bladder issues
Healthy lifestyle habits like exercise, nutrition, sleep, vitamin D supplementation and avoiding smoking

Your care team will tailor your treatment plan based on your symptoms and disease course.

How can I live well with MS?

Living well with MS means managing symptoms, working closely with your neurologist and building a support system. Many people with MS continue to work, stay active and enjoy daily life with proper care and lifestyle strategies.

Looking for expert MS care?

Our neurologists at UChicago Medicine are ready to guide you. Learn more about our MS clinic and treatment options to find the right plan for your symptoms.

Meet With an MS Expert Within 48 Hours

Video Transcript

6 Myths About Multiple Sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis, also known as MS, is a disease where the body's immune system attacks the protective coating around nerves. This can cause symptoms that include numbness, weakness, or vision problems.

Myth. MS only affects young, white women. Fact. Although Ms is three times more common in women, it can also affect men and people from all racial groups.

Myth. MS does not affect Black Americans. Fact. Not only can Black Americans develop MS, but studies suggest that Black American women have the highest incidence of MS.

Myth. It's difficult for people with MS to get pregnant. Fact. While MS does not reduce fertility, it's important for people with MS to consult with a doctor when planning pregnancy, as some MS medications are not recommended for use during pregnancy.

Myth. Pregnancy and menopause have no impact on MS. Fact. Pregnancy may reduce MS flares, while menopause can worsen them. That's because hormonal changes play a key role in MS symptom patterns. Ask your doctor how to anticipate and manage these changes.

Myth. People with MS can't breastfeed. Fact. Breastfeeding is beneficial for your baby, and there's no way your baby can catch MS. Breastfeeding may even reduce risk of postpartum relapse. But MS medications may not be safe for nursing, so consult your doctor.

Myth. If you have MS, your children will too. Fact. Most children of parents with MS will not develop the disease, but they are at an increased risk. While MS does have a genetic component, environmental factors also play a role.

Learn more at UChicagoMedicine.org.

Veronica Cipriani, MD

Veronica Cipriani, MD, is a neuroimmunologist who specializes in the treatment of multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating neurologic diseases such as neuromyelitis optica and anti-MOG encephalomyelitis.

Learn more about Dr. Cipriani

Daniel P. Kurz, Jr., MD

Daniel P. Kurz, Jr., MD is a board-certified neurologist at UChicago Medicine and an expert in multiple sclerosis, along with other disorders that impact the nervous system

Learn more about Dr. Kurz