Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a neurological disease of the central nervous system. With MS, your immune system attacks the myelin that sheaths your nerves. This leads to communication problems between your body and your brain. Multiple sclerosis symptoms The symptoms of multiple sclerosis can be very different depending on the person and the progression of the disease. Without effective treatment, the disease can be debilitating. Signs of MS include: Problems with coordination, including walking Tingling sensations or unexplained pain Tremors Vision problems, including the loss of vision, pain with eye movement, blurry vision and double vision Sensations like electric shocks that happen when you bend your neck Dizziness or fatigue Speech problems, including slurring your words Unexplained issues with bowel and bladder function These symptoms should be discussed with your doctor. Multiple sclerosis diagnosis A diagnosis of MS is usually made by ruling out other conditions that cause similar symptoms. Following a thorough exam and review of your medical history, a doctor may suggest: Blood tests that can rule out other diseases Evoked potential (EP) tests to record the electrical signals your nervous system produces MRIs that can show lesions on the brain or spine A spinal tap that can show abnormalities in your spinal fluid associated with MS Living with multiple sclerosis Most people with MS experience symptoms that can last days or weeks. These symptoms can improve partially or go away completely. Periods of remission can last months or years. Over time, symptoms can interfere with your ability to walk and balance. Effective treatment can improve symptoms and reduce relapses. What causes multiple sclerosis? Researchers are not sure what causes multiple sclerosis, also called MS. It’s thought that genetics and environmental factors can bring on the disease. Some risk factors have been tied to MS, including: Age – MS tends to be often diagnosed among people age 16 to 55. Autoimmune diseases – People with type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS) and thyroid disease may be at higher risk. Genetics – You are at a higher risk for MS if a parent or sibling has also been diagnosed. Race – White people of northern European descent are more likely to develop MS. Sex – Women are three times as likely to have relapsing-remitting MS. Tobacco use – Using tobacco makes you more likely to encounter additional MS symptoms. Multiple sclerosis care at Tanner Tanner MS Infusion Centers at the MS Center of Atlanta and at Tanner Medical Center/Villa Rica offer multidisciplinary MS care and medical infusion services in easily accessible and caring environments. Care designed with you in mind Tanner MS Infusion Centers were designed by people with multiple sclerosis. Our centers feature non-slip floors, chairs that are easy to climb in and out of, doors that open with the wave of the hand and other features to make it more comfortable and accessible for every MS patient. The centers also were the first in Georgia to provide Tysabri (natalizumab), which slows the disabling effects of multiple sclerosis. Locations Tanner MS Infusion Center at the MS Center of Atlanta 3200 Downwood Circle NW, Suite 550, Atlanta, GA 30327 Phone: 404-351-0205 Tanner MS Infusion Center at Tanner Medical Center/Villa Rica 601 Dallas Highway Suite 102, Villa Rica, GA 30180 Located on the first floor of the VillaWest medical office building Phone: 770-812-3515 Tanner Neurology - Carrollton 157 Clinic Avenue, Suite 301, Carrollton, GA 30117 Phone: 770-812-6705 Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday