Overview

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, that may result in vision disturbances, coordination loss, muscle weakness, numbness and tingling, slurred speech, and fatigue.

• MS is the most common central nervous system disease in young adults.
• Twice as many women than men are diagnosed with MS.
• Disease onset typically occurs between ages 20 and 45.
• The exact cause is unknown.

There are four types of MS:

1. Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS): This is the most common form of MS at diagnosis and is marked by episodes of neurological dysfunction, which may last several days to several weeks. Only patients with RRMS are eligible for the DEFINE and CONFIRM studies.
2. Secondary-Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (SPMS): A proportion of people originally diagnosed with RRMS may progress to develop SPMS, which is characterized by incomplete recovery from relapses and symptoms that progressively worsen and may become permanent.
3. Primary-Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS): With no distinct relapses or remissions, PPMS results in a gradual decline of physical and/or cognitive abilities.
4. Progressive-Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (PRMS): In contrast to RRMS, periods between relapses are characterized by steady disease progression.

Sources:

• Multiple Sclerosis International Federation
• National Multiple Sclerosis Society