What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis is an auto-immune disease where the body attacks the myelin insulating nerves. It causes attacks of weakness, numbness, vision loss or imbalance that resolve partly or fully. Modern disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) dramatically slow disability progression — but only if started early.
When a second opinion really helps
- You had a first 'demyelinating attack' but no DMT was offered.
- Generic first-line DMT chosen without checking JC virus / lymphocyte count.
- Clinically-stable but new MRI lesions — current DMT may not be working.
- Primary-progressive MS with no mention of ocrelizumab.
Red flags — call 108 / 102 immediately
- Sudden loss of vision in one eye (optic neuritis — emergency)
- Sudden weakness + numbness on one side
- New-onset double vision + dizziness
- Lhermitte's sign (electric shock down spine on bending neck)
Frequently asked questions
Only partly. 25% concordance in identical twins means genes matter, but environment (vitamin D, EBV, smoking) matters more.