Multiple Sclerosis Health Center

Multiple sclerosis isn't the only disease that attacks the myelin (layer covering nerve fibers) of the central nervous system. Here are some of the conditions related to MS.

Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an intense yet brief attack of inflammation, or swelling, in the brain, spinal cord, and in some cases, the optic nerves. This inflammation causes damage to the myelin. ADEM is also referred to as post-infectious encephalomyelitis and immune-mediated encephalomyelitis.

In some cases, it can be hard to tell the difference between ADEM and multiple sclerosis, as they both can have symptoms like vision loss, weakness, numbness and loss of balance.

Balo's Disease

Balo's disease is a rare disorder that, like multiple sclerosis, damages the myelin layer covering nerve fibers. Even though many experts consider Balo's disease to be distinct disorder from MS and similar diseases, most specialists see it as a rare form of MS.

Clinically Isolated Syndrome

Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) is a first and single episode of inflammation or myelin damage in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). This episode can involve just one area or multiple areas of the central nervous system. While CIS may not be an early sign of multiple sclerosis, people who have a second episode are considered to have clinically definite MS.

HTLV-1 Associated Myelopathy

HTLV-1 associated myelopathy (HAM) is a chronic disease of the spinal cord that slowly progresses over time. The condition develops in some people infected with the HTLV-1 virus. HAM leads to painful stiffness and weakness of the legs.

Neuromyelitis Optica

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is also referred to as Devic's disease. NMO is a disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks myelin in the optic nerves and spinal cord. This immune system attack can damage the optic nerves and spinal cord. This damage may lead to swelling and inflammation that can cause pain and vision loss, weakness or paralysis of arms and legs, loss of feeling and bladder and bowel control problems.

Schilder's Disease

Schilder's disease is a very rare disorder that, like multiple sclerosis, damages the myelin sheath over time. The disorder is even thought to be a variant of MS. As Schilder's disease worsens, it can affect motor movement, speech, personality, hearing and vision. Eventually, the condition can affect respiratory function, heart rate and blood pressure.

Transverse Myelitis

Transverse myelitis is caused by inflammation and swelling on both sides of one part of the spinal cord. This inflammation may damage the myelin layer covering nerve fibers, which can disrupt nerve signals between the spinal cord and the rest of the body.

People who experience transverse myelitis usually have just one attack. However, a small number of patients may experience more than one attack. Transverse myelitis may be the first sign of conditions like multiple sclerosis or neuromeylitis optica.