Neuro-Immunology and Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic disease of the central nervous system, is thought to be an autoimmune disorder. It is an unpredictable condition, with symptoms ranging from relatively benign to devastating on nearly a daily basis, as communication between the brain and other parts of the body becomes disrupted.

University of Mississippi Medical Center neurologists offer expert care, including state-of-the-art diagnostic evaluations and follow-up care, for patients with MS and other neuro-immunologic disorders. Our multidisciplinary team coordinates comprehensive and individualized care plans according to each patient's unique needs.

Primary symptoms of this unpredictable neurological disease are weakness, blurred vision, loss of balance and coordination, feeling clumsy, slurred speech, tremors, tiring easily, numbness, and paralysis. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, symptoms come and go and vary greatly from person to person. One patient may experience fatigue; another, severe vision problems. Even the worst symptoms may disappear, with the person regaining lost functions for a time.

Diagnosis and management

With today's medicine, no definitive test is available to diagnose multiple sclerosis. However, a probable diagnosis can be made by following a careful process which demonstrates findings that are consistent with MS while ruling out other causes and diseases.

There is no cure yet for MS. However, there are strategies to modify the disease course, treat exacerbations, manage symptoms and improve function and mobility.