Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive disease of the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by inflammation, demyelination, and destruction of the motor and sensory axons within the brain and spinal cord.1 MS is thought to be an autoimmune disease.2 MS is the second most common cause of neurologic disability in working-age adults, affecting 400,000 individuals in the United States.2,3 Approximately 200 people in the United States are diagnosed every week. Globally, the disease affects about 2.5 million people.2 The disease is most often diagnosed in individuals between 20 and 50 years of age and impacts twice as many women, compared with men. A majority of patients with MS have a normal or near-normal life expectancy. However, severe MS can shorten life.2

Diagnosis of MS

A diagnosis of early-stage MS is challenging because no single sign, symptom, or test can independently determine if an individual has the disease. Oftentimes, symptoms that might indicate a range of possible disorders disappear and return.2 Although patients have a variety of symptoms, fatigue is the most common complaint; in a survey of 1011 adults with the disease, patients reported experiencing fatigue at least twice a week.4 Blurred vision, balance, and poor coordination, as well as muscle spasms, tremors, and cognitive losses are reported symptoms. Compromised walking is a common im pair ment in MS.