Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system).

In MS, the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibers and causes communication problems between your brain and the rest of your body. Eventually, the disease can cause permanent damage or deterioration of the nerves.

Donor requirements for participation:

• You must be clinically diagnosed by a medical professional. Confirmation of the diagnosis and/or treatment must be verified with your physician.
• Be pre-screened to determine eligibility.
• You’re willing to donate plasma through the apheresis process.
• You must have a photo ID and be able to provide your social security number or proof of citizenship.
• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must weight at least 110 lbs.
• You must disclose if you have ever been diagnosed with Hepatitis C and/or HIV.

For questions and concerns about requirements or participation, contact us at (833) GO-4-CURE.

Symptoms

Multiple sclerosis signs and symptoms may differ greatly from person to person and over the course of the disease depending on the location of affected nerve fibers. Symptoms often affect movement, such as: Numbness or weakness in one or more limbs that typically occurs on one side of your body at a time, or the legs and trunk, Electric-shock sensations that occur with certain neck movements, especially bending the neck forward (Lhermitte sign), and Tremor, lack of coordination or unsteady gait.

Vision problems are also common, including: Partial or complete loss of vision, usually in one eye at a time, often with pain during eye movement, Prolonged double vision, and Blurry vision.

Multiple sclerosis symptoms may also include: Slurred speech, Fatigue, Dizziness, Tingling or pain in parts of your body, and Problems with sexual, bowel and bladder function.

Treatment

There is no cure for multiple sclerosis. Treatment typically focuses on speeding recovery from attacks, slowing the progression of the disease and managing MS symptoms. Some people have such mild symptoms that no treatment is necessary.

This information is not meant for clinical diagnosis, but as an educational resource derived from Mayo Clinic.