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About MS
Understanding certain aspects of multiple sclerosis may help make managing it a little easier. In this section you’ll learn what happens with MS, its symptoms, the four types of MS, and how it is diagnosed.
What is MS and what’s going wrong?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system (CNS). Autoimmune means that the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissue, in this case, the tissues of the CNS.
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Myelin and the many symptoms of MS
The disruption of nerve signals produces the primary symptoms of MS, which is believed to vary depending on where the myelin damage has occurred and how severe the damage is. This is why MS produces such diversity of symptoms—from bladder dysfunction to blurred vision—with each person’s specific symptoms varying greatly.1 Read more
The four types of MS
Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is the most common of the four types of MS. Approximately 85 percent of people with MS are initially diagnosed with RRMS, while 10–15 percent are diagnosed with progressive forms.1 Read more
How MS is diagnosed
In order to make a diagnosis of MS, your neurologist would:2
- Find evidence of damage in at least two separate areas of the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord
- Find evidence that the damage occurred at least one month apart
- Rule out all other possible diagnoses
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"When I was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) at age 24, I went into research mode. I learned as much as possible about MS, so that I could understand my treatment options and manage my symptoms. One of the most important things I learned is that treatment is the best weapon against this disease. From my own experience, I know that starting on therapy right away was the best thing I could do for myself and the people who count on me."
—Heath C., on COPAXONE® for RRMS since 1998
Heath C. has received compensation from Teva.
Individual results may vary.
Current rating: 3.8 (18 ratings)
References:1. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. How Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS) Differs From Progressive Courses of MS. Available at: www.nationalmssociety.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/relapsing-ms/relapsing-remitting-ms-rrms/how-rrms-differs-from-progressive-courses-of-ms/index.aspx. Accessed August 30, 2010.
2. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Diagnosing MS. www.nationalmssociety.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/what-we-know-about-ms/diagnosing-ms/index.aspx. Accessed August 30, 2010.
- COPAXONE® (glatiramer acetate injection) is indicated for the reduction of the frequency of relapses in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, including patients who have experienced a first clinical episode and have MRI features consistent with multiple sclerosis.
Important Safety Information About COPAXONE®
- The most common side effects of COPAXONE® are redness, pain, swelling, itching, or a lump at the site of injection, flushing, rash, shortness of breath, and chest pain. These reactions are usually mild and seldom require professional treatment. Be sure to tell your doctor about any side effects.
Some patients report a short-term reaction right after injecting COPAXONE®. This reaction can involve flushing (feeling of warmth and/or redness), chest tightness or pain with heart palpitations, anxiety, and trouble breathing. These symptoms generally appear within minutes of an injection, last about 15 minutes, and go away by themselves without further problems.
A permanent indentation under the skin at the injection site may occur, due to a local destruction of fat tissue. Be sure to follow proper injection technique and inform your doctor of any skin changes.
After you inject COPAXONE®, call your doctor right away if you develop hives, skin rash with irritation, dizziness, sweating, chest pain, trouble breathing, severe pain at the injection site or other uncomfortable changes in your general health. Do not give yourself any more injections until your doctor tells you to begin again.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.