What Is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease where the body's immune system attacks myelin. The myelin sheath is a fatty protective covering that surround the nerve fibers in the central nervous system. The central nervous system (CNS) is made up of the brain and spinal cord. When the sheath is damaged, it disrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Causes of multiple sclerosis are still unknown.

There are four different types of Multiple Sclerosis:

1). Relapsing Remitting MS (RRMS)
2). Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS)
3). Primary Progressive MS (PPMS)
4). Progressive Relapsing MS (PRMS)

Symptoms

Symptoms of multiple sclerosis vary between patients and which nerves have been damaged. Symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, speak with your healthcare provider.

Diagram by USF Health

How Has Living With MS Impacted Your Life?

MS has definitely impacted my life in various ways. It has taken my career, running, and my inability to go hiking or walk for long distances. Fatigue is a big deal with MS, so I don’t have the stamina to do many things I did before diagnosis. On the upside, it has given me more patience; it allows me to appreciate the little things in life. It has given me a new family made up of other people with MS.

Dina Villarreal

Statistics & Diagnosis

Diagnosing Multiple Sclerosis can be tricky. There are various lab and physical tests that can be done to diagnose a patient. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain and spine are used to check for lesions. Spinal taps or lumbar punctures are used along with MRIs for a more accurate diagnosis.

85%

of patients are initially diagnosed with RRMS.

15%

0f patients initially diagnosed with RRMS, worsen to SPMS.

15%

0f patients are diagnosed with PPMS.

of patients are diagnosed with PRMS. It is the rarest form of MS.

Donations

The South Texas Multiple Sclerosis Council would not be possible without donations from the community. If you would like to donate to help the organization better the lives of people living with Multiple Sclerosis in the Rio Grande Valley, please click one of the "Donate Now" buttons below. Your tax deductible contribution is greatly appreciated!

Multiple Sclerosis: Price List