Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a potential disabling disease of the brain and the spinal cord. The immune system attacks the protective sheath that covers the nerve fibers. Because of this, communication between the brain and the rest of the body will become an issue.
MS is usually classified by periods of relapsing and remission. For majority of patients, MS will eventually develop into a progressive disease. There are also some cases where the disease is progressive from onset. Unfortunately because of this, the nerves may become permanently damaged or deteriorate.
While there is not a specific test to diagnose MS, tests can be performed in order to rule out the other conditions that might present the same signs and symptoms. This kind of testing is known as a differential diagnosis.
MS signs and symptoms include but are not limited to:
Cardinal signs and symptoms are also known as ‘Charcots Triad’. They include but are not limited to:
- Nystagmus
- Intention tremors / kinetic tremors
- Scanning speech
