Autism is a difference in how your child’s brain works that causes them to socialize and behave

in unique ways. Early signs of autism include limited eye contact and body language and
repetitive motions or speech. Behavioral therapies and other support can help autistic kids (and
adults) make the most of their strengths and manage any challenges.

Overview

What is autism?

Autism is a difference in how your child’s brain works that shapes how they interact with the
world around them. We don’t know exactly why some people are autistic and others aren’t.

But we do know:

 Autism isn’t a disease. This is important because healthcare providers try to “cure”
diseases. With autism, the goal isn’t a cure. Instead, providers find ways to help your
child make the most of their strengths while managing any challenges they face.

 Autistic people are neurodivergent. This word describes people whose brains are
different from what’s expected. If your child is neurodivergent, they may excel more in
certain areas and need more support in others compared to their neurotypical peers.

 Autism is a spectrum. Autistic kids and adults have a wide range of personality traits,
strengths and challenges. This means there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to support.
Providers tailor support to your child’s unique needs and preferences.

 Autism is often misunderstood. Myths about autism go back decades. These have
harmed autistic people. We can’t erase this history, but we’ve learned from it. Today’s
therapies help autistic kids gain skills without forcing them to fit into a certain mold.

When discussing autism, it’s important to acknowledge that words aren’t perfect. And
sometimes, “medspeak” that healthcare providers use — like “disorder,” “symptoms” or
“diagnosis” — doesn’t quite match the lived experience of autistic people or their families.

Throughout this article, we’ll use such medical terms as needed to describe how healthcare
providers can support your family. But we recognize that autism is an identity, not just a
diagnosis.

We use the term “autistic” to reflect the preferences of the autistic community, which largely
prefers identity-first language.

What is autism spectrum disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the full medical name for autism. The DSM-5-TR defines
ASD as a difference in brain functioning that affects how you communicate and interact with
others. For example, you may use eye contact or body language differently than someone who’s
neurotypical.

This brain difference also affects various aspects of your behavior, interests or activities. For
example, you may repeat movements or sounds (a behavior known as “stimming”) to regulate
your emotions. You may prefer a fixed routine over change.

About 1 in every 31 kids in the U.S. has ASD.

What are the signs and symptoms of autism?

Autism characteristics fall into two main groups:

 Difficulties with social communication and interaction that affect how your child
socializes

 Restricted and repetitive behaviors, interests or activities that affect how your child acts

Below are some examples of autism characteristics you might recognize in your child at different
ages.
Signs of autism fall into two groups: difficulties with socializing and restrictive and repetitive behaviors, interests or
activities.

How your child socializes

You may notice your toddler:

 Doesn’t follow your gaze or look at things you’re pointing to

 Doesn’t respond to their name

 Seems uninterested in taking-turn games like peek-a-boo

 Doesn’t seek you out to share something they’ve discovered

 Looks away rather than looking you in the eye

 Uses your hand as a tool to pick up things they want

 Prefers to play by themselves (continuing beyond age 2)

You may notice your older child:

 Talks about a narrow range of topics

 Has one-sided conversations without back-and-forth talk

 Seems uninterested in starting a conversation

 Has difficulty expressing their feelings or understanding how others feel

 Has difficulty using and understanding body language — for example, they might face
away from someone when speaking to them

 Speaks in a monotone or sing-song voice

 Has difficulty noticing social cues

You may notice your adolescent:

 Has trouble understanding what others mean — for example, they might not recognize
sarcasm

 Doesn’t initiate social interactions

 Makes little or no eye contact

  Has difficulty mixing spoken words and body language

 Has a hard time building relationships with peers

 Gets along more easily with younger kids or grown-ups

 Has difficulty seeing something from someone else’s point of view

 Doesn’t understand certain social rules like greetings or personal space

 Appears standoffish when around others

How your child acts

You may notice your toddler:

 Repeats words or phrases (echolalia)

 Repeats motions — like flapping their hands, rocking their body or spinning in circles

 Does the same thing over and over with a toy or part of a toy — like spinning the wheels
of a toy car

 Gets very upset by changes to their routine

 Lines toys or objects up in a particular order and resists anyone changing it

 Won’t eat foods of certain textures

 Reacts strongly to certain fabrics or other things on their skin

 Shows strong interest in a specific object you wouldn’t expect, like a wooden spoon or
fan

You may notice your older child or adolescent:

 Repeats certain words or phrases from books, movies or TV shows

 Has difficulty switching between tasks

 Strongly prefers familiar routines or patterns of behavior

 Has intense or highly focused interests — like certain topics or collections

There’s not always a clear line between what’s a feature of autism and what’s a kid simply being
a kid. Lots of the things above are true for all children at one point or another. But with autism,
these behaviors are more than a phase. And they may pose challenges for your child in certain
settings, like school or socializing with peers.

What strengths do autistic people have?

Researchers have found a wide range of strengths among autistic people. Your child may have:

 The strength to speak out or “go against the crowd,” even if it’s not the popular thing to
do
 A strong sense of right vs. wrong, leading them to follow their moral compass even when
no one’s watching
 The ability to express their thoughts directly and honestly
 A knack for connecting with people of all ages
 The ability to focus for long periods of time and gain expertise on a topic
 Strong nonverbal reasoning skills

What causes autism?

Experts haven’t found a single cause of autism. It’s likely a combination of genetics and certain
things related to pregnancy, labor and delivery. You might see these things described as
“environmental factors” or “prenatal events.” These factors all interact to lead to the brain
differences we see in autism.

Specific things that may make autism more likely in your child include:

 Becoming pregnant over age 35

 Becoming pregnant within 12 months of having another baby
 Having gestational diabetes
 Having bleeding during pregnancy
 Using certain medications, like valproate, while pregnant
 Smaller-than-expected fetal size (intrauterine growth restriction)
 Reduced oxygen to the fetus during pregnancy or delivery
 Giving birth early

These factors may directly change how your baby’s brain develops. Or they may affect how
certain genes work, leading to brain differences, in turn.

Is autism genetic?

Yes — but the genetic causes of autism are complicated. There’s not a single, specific gene
variation that’s unique to autism. This makes autism different from some other genetic
conditions, like cystic fibrosis, where providers can pinpoint a specific gene variation and say,
“Ah! There it is.”
Instead, many gene variations are linked to autism. This means autistic people might have one or
more gene variations that play a role in their brain differences.

But there’s not always a clear genetic cause. For example, genetic testing for your child may
reveal no gene variations associated with autism. This finding doesn’t change their diagnosis.
And it doesn’t rule out a genetic cause. It’s possible that other gene variations contribute to
autism, and researchers simply haven’t identified them yet.

Is autism inherited?

It can be. It’s easy to confuse genetics with inheritance. When we say autism is genetic, we mean
variations in certain genes affect how your baby’s brain works. Those gene variations might pop
up for the first time in your baby — in this case, they’re not inherited.

But it’s also possible for biological parents to pass down gene variations to their children.
Experts think autism can be inherited because they see patterns among siblings.

How do healthcare providers diagnose autism?

Diagnosing autism involves several steps. Often, the process begins at a routine well-
check (annual physical). The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends autism screenings at
the 18-month and 24-month visits. A screening means your pediatrician will ask some questions
about your child, including how they act, communicate and express emotions.

If your pediatrician notices possible signs of autism, they’ll refer you to a provider who
specializes in diagnosing autism. This specialist will talk with you and spend some time
observing and interacting with your child. They’ll look for specific symptoms (characteristics)
typical of autism.

Providers use the criteria listed in the DSM-5-TR. This diagnostic manual breaks down
symptoms into the two main groups discussed earlier: how your child socializes and how they
act.

Criteria for an autism diagnosis

Your child must have difficulties in all three of the following social areas:

 Social-emotional reciprocity: This is the back-and-forth nature of socializing. A

common example is holding a conversation.

 Nonverbal communication: These are the movements and subtle gestures that add
meaning to the words we say. Eye contact and body language are examples.

 Developing and maintaining relationships: This involves seeking people to spend time
with. It also involves judging which behaviors are appropriate in different situations.
AND your child must do at least two of the following:

 Engage in repetitive movements, use of objects or speech: This means doing or saying
the same thing over and over, more than you might expect.

 Insist on the same routine or ways of doing things: This means relying heavily on
sameness and resisting change.

 Have very intense or unusual interests: This is an interest in a certain object or topic
that’s stronger or more consuming than you’d expect.

 React more than expected to sights, sounds and textures and/or seek out sensory
experiences: This is when your child’s environment overwhelms or underwhelms them.
If they need more sensory input, they might sniff or touch objects more than expected.

Is there an autism test?

No, not in the way you might think of a medical test. There aren’t any lab tests or specific
markers in blood or pee for autism. Providers may do genetic testing to check for gene variations
associated with autism. But genetic testing doesn’t diagnose autism. Instead, it may help narrow
down the cause of your child’s brain differences.

When seeking a diagnosis, it helps to see a developmental pediatrician, who’s trained to

recognize autism. They can administer a standardized assessment, like the Autism Diagnostic
Observation Schedule (ADOS). The ADOS is a set of questions that help providers identify
autism characteristics when observing or interacting with your child. The ADOS and similar
tools are designed for providers to use in a clinical setting.

What should I know about autism treatment?

There are many different therapies available to support children with autism. These therapies
help your child manage any challenges they face and build on their strengths. Some therapies
teach you and other family members ways to support your child.

The earlier such support begins — ideally, before age 3 — the more it can benefit your child in
the long run.

Treatment for co-occurring conditions

Some autistic kids have other conditions that need support or treatment. Conditions that may co-
occur with autism include:

 Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

 Anxiety disorders
  Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)

 Conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder

 Bipolar disorders

 Depressive disorders

 Digestive issues, like constipation

 Epilepsy

 Intellectual disabilities

 Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

 Schizophrenia spectrum disorder

 Sensory processing disorder

 Sleep disorders

Providers manage or treat these conditions with things like:

 Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

 Medications

 Referrals for educational support — for example, to create an Individualized Education

Plan (IEP) to meet your child’s learning needs.


Cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological condition caused by early brain damage, leading
to challenges with movement, posture, and muscle control. CP is the most common
motor disability in childhood. The condition is sometimes the result of medical mistakes
during childbirth. In these cases, families may be eligible for financial support.

What is cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a group of movement disorders that can cause problems with posture,
manner of walking (gait), muscle tone, and coordination. Depending on the severity and
type of CP, different parts of the body may be affected.
Although CP is usually caused by brain damage during childbirth, it is often not
diagnosed until the first or second year of a child’s life.
This means it can be difficult for new parents to know how their child will be affected as
they continue to grow.

Cerebral palsy symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral palsy in babies can cause numerous physical and
neurological issues that can greatly affect a child's development.

Cerebral palsy symptoms can differ for each child, depending on the severity and
location of the brain damage. Learn more about CP symptoms below.

Physical symptoms
Some cerebral palsy characteristics are muscle stiffness, poor coordination, involuntary
movements, and difficulty with balance and posture.

Physical symptoms of CP include:

 Contractures (shortening of muscles)
 Difficulties swallowing or sucking
 Drooling
 Exaggerated or jerky reflexes
 Floppy muscle tone
 Gastrointestinal problems (involving food digestion)
 Incontinence (loss of bladder control)
 Involuntary movements or tremors
 Lack of coordination and balance
 Problems with movement on one side of the body
 Stiff muscles (spasticity)
Check with your child's pediatrician if they are experiencing any of these symptoms.

Neurological symptoms
These affect the brain and nervous system, leading to learning, communication, and
sensory processing difficulties.

Neurological symptoms of CP include:

 Buildup of pressure in the brain due to fluid imbalance (hydrocephalus)
  Behavioral problems
 Delayed motor skill development
 Difficulty with speech and language (dysarthria)
 Sensory impairments
 Vision and hearing problems
Parents and caregivers should monitor the timeline of their child’s developmental
milestones, as babies with cerebral palsy may have developmental delays that go
unnoticed.

What causes cerebral palsy in babies?

The main cause of CP is damage to the fetal or infant brain. Although the exact cause
of brain damage can be difficult to pinpoint, several factors are linked to the condition.

Common cerebral palsy causes and risk factors include:

 Bacterial and viral infections such as meningitis
 Bleeding inside the brain (intracranial hemorrhage)
 Brain damage from periventricular leukomalacia (PVL)
 Head injuries sustained during birth or within the first few years of life
 Kernicterus (brain damage from severe jaundice that goes untreated)
 Lack of oxygen to the brain (asphyxia) before, during, or after delivery
 Low birthweight and premature birth
 Multiple births, like twins, triplets, or more
 Prenatal exposure to drugs or alcohol
Generally, if the brain is damaged within the first 5 years of life, it may not develop
properly.
Damage to the parts of the brain that control motor function can cause children to
struggle with posture, balance, and movement.

Cerebral palsy caused by medical negligence

Some children develop cerebral palsy as the result of a birth injury caused by medical
malpractice. These CP cases stem from inadequate care from medical professionals
during the birthing process.

Examples of medical negligence that can lead to cerebral palsy include:

 Failing to detect or properly treat infections
 Ignoring changes in fetal heart rate
 Mismanaging a prolapsed umbilical cord, which can cut off oxygen to the
baby
  Not performing a medically advisable cesarean section (C-section)
 Using delivery tools improperly, such as vacuum extractors and forceps
Medical professionals are trained to provide high-quality care and make lightning-fast
decisions to keep mothers and babies safe. Those who fail to do so should be held
responsible.
However, medical providers often downplay their role in causing harm or even deny
it altogether.
Thankfully, trained legal professionals can help you understand what could have
happened to your child. If you suspect your child suffered a preventable birth injury, we
may be able to connect you with a top CP lawyer near you.

What are the types of cerebral palsy?

There are several types of cerebral palsy, and each is characterized by the location of the brain
injury. Symptoms can vary depending on where and how badly the brain was damaged.

The 5 types of cerebral palsy are:

1. Ataxic cerebral palsy: This type is caused by damage to the cerebellum, resulting
in motor control and movement issues.
2. Athetoid/dyskinetic cerebral palsy: Caused by damage to the basal ganglia and/or
cerebellum, this condition results in fluctuating muscle tone and involuntary
movements.
3. Hypotonic CP: This rare type, also connected to cerebellum damage, is
characterized by floppy muscles, excess flexibility, and poor mobility.
4. Spastic CP: The most common type of cerebral palsy, this is caused by damage to
the motor cortex and characterized by tight muscles and jerking movements.
5. Mixed CP: Multiple areas of brain damage can lead to patients having more than
one type of CP.
Doctors can perform tests to determine the type of CP a patient has. According to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diagnosing the condition as early as possible is
important for the child's long-term health and development.

Cerebral palsy coexisting conditions

Damage to the developing brain can cause health complications that are not a direct
result of CP. Therefore, babies with cerebral palsy may also experience coexisting
conditions.

Conditions that may occur alongside cerebral palsy include:

 Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
 Chronic pain
 Epilepsy
 Intellectual disabilities
 Mental health disorders
 Spectrum disorders like autism
 Speech problems
 Vision or hearing impairments
Understanding and addressing these coexisting conditions is crucial for providing
comprehensive care and helping a child with CP reach their full potential.

Cerebral palsy treatment options

While CP cannot be cured, a comprehensive cerebral palsy treatment approach can significantly
enhance a child's quality of life.

Is cerebral palsy curable?

Cerebral palsy is not curable, but treatments like therapy, medication, and surgery can help
improve a child’s movement, muscle control, and everyday life.
CP treatment focuses on nurturing a child’s abilities to reduce symptoms and encourage
independence.

Infants diagnosed with cerebral palsy may benefit from early medical interventions to support
brain growth and enhance motor functions. This early phase presents a critical window for
potentially lessening some mobility-related challenges.

Actively managing CP symptoms helps children live their best lives as they grow into adulthood.
Your doctor will create a treatment plan tailored to your child's needs.

Find out more about different cerebral palsy treatments below.

Medication
Cerebral palsy medication helps manage symptoms, especially those related to muscle
tone and movement difficulties.

Therapy
There are many different therapy options to help treat cerebral palsy symptoms.
Therapy can be used to improve mobility and brain cognition.

Four main types of cerebral palsy therapy are:

 1. Physical therapy relieves pain, reduces muscle stiffness, and enhances
balance, coordination, and overall mobility. Physical therapists use
specialized equipment to help your child move freely and live independently.
2. Occupational therapy enables children with CP to master daily tasks and
activities by developing fine motor skills and cognitive abilities.
3. Speech therapy improves communication and language skills, fostering
confidence in learning and socializing. It also assists children with eating
and swallowing difficulties.
4. Alternative therapy encourages children to focus on personal growth and
navigate physical and mental challenges. It includes methods like
hippotherapy (horse riding), music therapy, aquatic therapy, and
acupuncture.
Most children with CP benefit from multiple therapies. A customized treatment plan can
be created based on your child's symptoms.

Surgery
Cerebral palsy surgery may be recommended for children with severe mobility and
muscle disorders. It can correct or improve issues with movement in the legs, ankles,
feet, hips, wrists, and arms.
Cerebral palsy surgical options may involve:
 Corrective surgery for muscle, tendon, and bone abnormalities
 Interventions to enhance balance and coordination
 Joint and tendon fixation corrections
 Preventative measures for hip dislocation and spinal deformities
 Procedures to treat spinal curvatures (scoliosis)
 Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) for reduced spasticity in limbs
 Surgeries to correct foot deformity
 Treatment of muscle contractures
Muscles, tendons, bones, and nerves are operated on to improve movement in different
areas of the body.

Quick facts about cerebral palsy: 2025 update

 Cerebral palsy is the most common childhood motor disability in the U.S.,
affecting about 1 in 323 children.
 Brain damage leading to CP can occur before, during, or after birth, with
most cases being congenital (present at birth).
 CP does not worsen over time, but symptoms may change as a child
grows.
 Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common type, affecting 75-85% of
people with CP.
  Up to 50% of children with CP have an intellectual disability, though
severity varies.
 CP is more common among boys than girls.
 Cerebral palsy impacts Black children more than those of other races.
 Over half of children with CP can walk independently.
 Epilepsy (seizure disorder) affects up to 50% of people with CP, often
requiring lifelong management.
 Premature birth and low birth weight significantly increase the risk of CP.
 Speech and language disorders occur in over 75% of children with CP.
 CP is linked to long-term health risks, including osteoporosis, chronic pain,
and early aging

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

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. While there isn’t a cure, treatment options can help you manage
symptoms and slow disease progression.

What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune condition that affects your brain and spinal
cord (central nervous system).

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. It is

unpredictable and a potentially disabling disease, with the severity and nature of symptoms
varying. Clinically significant depression and anxiety are very common, although there is
evidence these psychological conditions are undertreated. The lifetime prevalence rates for
anxiety and depressive disorders are higher among MS patients compared to the general
population and persons with other neurological disease. Treatment options include
psychotherapy and psychopharmacological treatments, though there is limited clinical research.
Demoralization and grief over MS-related losses are also common psychological reactions. MS
can also have a psychological impact on family members, and they can experience similar
emotional responses that patients do. Partners of MS patients experience emotional challenges,
such as caregiver burden and changes in sexual relationships. However, many persons make
positive psychological adjustments, use positive coping strategies, and find psychological
benefits to the challenges presented by MS.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Overview

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a long-lasting (chronic) disease of the central nervous system. It is
thought to be an autoimmune disorder, a condition in which the body attacks itself by mistake.
MS is an unpredictable disease that affects people differently. Some people with MS may have
only mild symptoms. Others may lose their ability to see clearly, write, speak, or walk when
communication between the brain and other parts of the body becomes disrupted.

Myelin is a protein and fatty substance that surrounds and protects nerve fibers. In MS, the
immune system attacks the myelin, which becomes destroyed in many areas. This loss of myelin
forms scar tissue called sclerosis. These areas are also called plaques or lesions. When the nerves
are damaged in this way, they can’t conduct electrical impulses normally to and from the brain.

When MS causes repeated attacks, it's called relapsing remitting MS. When the symptoms
progress over time without clear attacks, it's called primary progressive MS.

Key points about multiple sclerosis

 Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system.

 MS is unpredictable. Some people may be only mildly affected. Others may lose the
ability to see clearly, write, speak, or walk.
  Early symptoms can include vision problems, trouble walking, and tingling feelings.
 MS affects people differently. But common problems are trouble with movement and
thinking, and bowel and bladder incontinence.
 Medicines and rehabilitation can help to keep or restore functioning.

What causes multiple sclerosis?

There are many possible causes of MS, such as:

 Autoimmune disorders
 Infectious agents, such as viruses
 Environmental factors
 Genetic factors

What are the symptoms of multiple sclerosis?

The symptoms of MS are often unpredictable. They may be mild or severe, short-term or long-
lasting. They may appear in different combinations, depending on the area of the nervous system
affected. The following are the most common symptoms of MS. But each person may have
different symptoms.

First symptoms of MS

 Blurred or double vision

 Red-green color distortion
 Pain and loss of vision because of swelling of the optic nerve (optic neuritis)
 Trouble walking and difficulty with balance
 An abnormal feeling, such as numbness, prickling, or pins and needles (paresthesia)

Other symptoms of multiple sclerosis

 Muscle weakness in the arms and legs

 Trouble with coordination. You may have problems walking or standing. You may also
be partly or completely paralyzed.
 Spasticity. This is the involuntary increased tone of muscles leading to stiffness and
spasms.
 Fatigue. This may be brought on by physical activity. But it may ease with rest. You may
have constant tiredness that doesn't go away.
 Loss of feeling
 Speech problems
 Tremor
 Dizziness
 Hearing loss
 Bowel and bladder problems
 Depression
  Changes in sexual function

About half of all people with MS have thinking (cognitive) problems linked to the disease. The
effects of these problems may be mild. Your healthcare provider may only find them after much
testing. The problems may be with:

 Focusing (concentration)
 Attention
 Memory
 Poor judgment

Symptoms of MS are grouped as primary, secondary, or tertiary as described below:

Primary symptoms Secondary symptoms Tertiary symp

These symptoms are a direct result These are complications that may occur as a result of the These are soci
of the destruction of myelin: primary symptoms, for example: psychological

 Weakness  Paralysis can lead to bedsores.  A perso

 Numbness  Bladder problems may cause repeated urinary tract walk o
 Shaking (tremors) infections. liveliho
 Loss of vision  Inactivity can result in weakness, poor posture,  Strain
 Pain muscle imbalances, decreased bone density, and illness
 Paralysis breathing problems. relation
 Loss of balance  Becoming less mobile because of weakness and  Depres
 Bladder and bowel trouble swallowing can lead to a greater risk of people
problems pneumonia.

The symptoms of MS may look like other health problems. Always talk with your healthcare
provider for a diagnosis.

How is multiple sclerosis diagnosed?

Not one specific test is used to diagnose MS. Diagnosis is based on symptoms and signs,
imaging tests, and lab tests. A healthcare provider can make a diagnosis by following a careful
process to rule out other causes and diseases. Two things must be true to make a diagnosis of
relapsing remitting MS:

1. You must have had 2 attacks at least 1 month apart. An attack is when any MS symptoms
show up suddenly. Or when any MS symptoms get worse for at least 24 hours.
2. You must have more than 1 area of damage to the central nervous system myelin. Myelin
is the sheath that surrounds and protects nerve fibers. This damage must have occurred at
more than 1 point in time and not have been caused by any other disease.

Healthcare provider will ask about your health history and do a neurological exam. This
includes:
  Mental functions
 Emotional functions
 Language functions
 Movement and coordination
 Vision
 Balance
 Functions of the 5 senses

May also need:

 MRI. This diagnostic test uses a combination of large magnets and a computer to make
detailed pictures of organs and structures within the body without the use of X-rays. It
can find plaques or scarring caused by MS. Generally, a single attack along with certain
patterns of changes in brain tissue seen on an MRI scan of the brain done with contrast
can mean that you have MS.
 Evoked potentials. These tests record the brain's electrical response to visual, auditory,
and sensory stimuli. These tests show if you have a slowing of messages in the different
parts of the brain.
 Cerebrospinal fluid analysis. This is also called a spinal tap or lumbar puncture. It looks
at the fluid taken from the spinal column to make an evaluation or diagnosis. This test
checks for cellular and chemical abnormalities seen with MS.
 Blood tests. These are done to rule out other causes for various neurological symptoms.
 Eye exam and visual fields measurements.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. It is

unpredictable and a potentially disabling disease, with the severity and nature of symptoms
varying. Clinically significant depression and anxiety are very common, although there is
evidence these psychological conditions are undertreated. The lifetime prevalence rates for
anxiety and depressive disorders are higher among MS patients compared to the general
population and persons with other neurological disease. Treatment options include
psychotherapy and psychopharmacological treatments, though there is limited clinical research.
Demoralization and grief over MS-related losses are also common psychological reactions. MS
can also have a psychological impact on family members, and they can experience similar
emotional responses that patients do. Partners of MS patients experience emotional challenges,
such as caregiver burden and changes in sexual relationships. However, many persons make
positive psychological adjustments, use positive coping strategies, and find psychological
benefits to the challenges presented by MS.

How is multiple sclerosis treated?

Treatment will depend on symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how bad the
condition is.

Currently, treatments are divided into:

  Disease-modifying treatments. These directly target inflammation in the central nervous
system. They help slow its deterioration.
 Treatment of acute relapses. The use of steroids and plasma exchange (PLEX) can
speed up your recovery when you have an MS attack.

There is no known cure for MS. But can do things to help change the course of the disease, treat
flare-ups, manage symptoms, and improve function and mobility.

Treatments for the conditions seen with MS may include:

 Medicines (talk with your provider to see what medicines may be an option for you)
 Equipment, such as canes, braces, or walkers
 Rehabilitation activities

Rehab varies depending on your symptoms and how bad they are. MS rehab may help you to:

 Get back functions that are important for daily living

 Be as independent as you can
 Involve family
 Make the right decisions relating to your care
 Learn about equipment like canes, braces, or walkers that can make is easier to move
around
 Set up an exercise program that builds muscle strength, endurance, and control
 Get back motor skills
 Speak more easily if you have weakness or a lack of coordination of face and tongue
muscles
 Manage bowel or bladder incontinence
 Relearn thinking skills
 Change the way your home is set up to keep you safe but allow you to move about as
easily as possible

What are possible complications of multiple sclerosis?

The complications of MS range from mild to severe. They can range from fatigue to the inability
to walk. Other problems include loss of vision, balance, and bowel or bladder control.
Depression can result from the difficulty of living with a chronic condition.