Find out about multiple sclerosis (MS) including the symptoms, types, causes, how it's diagnosed and the treatment and support available. Multiple sclerosis (MS) damages the protective cover around nerves called myelin in your central nervous system. It can cause muscle weakness, vision changes, numbness and memory issues. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disorder. It’s an autoimmune disorder, meaning that in MS, the immune system—which normally protects us from viruses, bacteria, and other threats—mistakenly attacks healthy cells. MS symptoms usually begin in young adults, between ages 20 and 40. Early signs of MS may include painful vision loss, facial paralysis, limb weakness and severe dizziness. Symptoms set in over a few hours or days. It's also known as MS. In MS, the immune system attacks the protective sheath that covers nerve fibers, known as myelin. This interrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Eventually, the disease can cause permanent damage of the nerve fibers. If you’re concerned about MS, you may be wondering what to look for and when to seek care. Dr. Levy discusses the early signs and symptoms of MS, how MS is diagnosed, and the latest research into treatment. With optic neuritis as the most common presenting symptom, people with MS notice sub-acute loss of vision, often associated with pain worsening on eye movement, and reduced color vision. Early diagnosis of MS-associated optic neuritis helps timely initiation of targeted treatments. People with multiple sclerosis (MS) tend to have their first symptoms between the ages of 20 and 40. Early on, the symptoms get better, but then they come back. This is called relapsing-remitting. Access all your Microsoft apps, services, and games with one account. Whatever you’re doing, wherever you are, just go. Your account profile and preferences sync across all your devices. Wherever you are, it’s all here. MS NOW (formerly MSNBC): Breaking news and the latest headlines today. Get daily updates from local reporters plus world news with live audio and video.