Adult multiple sclerosis

Parking : Free for patients and visitors. Charlottesville, VA United States. The Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis clinic diagnoses and treats children, adolescents and young adults with multiple sclerosis and related disorders. We work with other specialties within UVA, including ophthalmology, urology and pain management, to coordinate care for your child when necessary. We work closely with UVA's adult MS program, which allows for an easy transition as your child enters adulthood.

Early symptoms of MS, which may include vision problems, muscle weakness, balance issues and more, typically develop between the ages of 20 to Although people diagnosed with MS generally experience mild symptoms, in the most severe cases, they may lose the ability to speak, write or walk. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, neurological disease that affects the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. In people with MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks myelin , a substance that covers and protects nerve cells. In addition to not knowing what causes MS, diagnosing the condition can also present challenges for patients and physicians alike.

While age at diagnosis may influence the rate of MS progression, it appears not to be the only factor. Most people with multiple sclerosis MS are diagnosed between age 20 and 50, though it can occur in children as well as in older adults, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society NMSS. About 85 percent of people diagnosed with MS are initially diagnosed with the relapsing form of the condition, usually referred to as relapsing-remitting MS , which is characterized by periods of active symptoms — sometimes called flares or exacerbations — alternating with periods of less-severe symptoms.

COVID Vaccine and booster updates , testing information , safety measures , updated policies and more. This chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disease affects the central nervous system, resulting in damaged nerves and scar tissue formation, so it can resemble a multitude of other illnesses. This also makes it incredibly hard to detect. And the fact that no two people with MS experience the same symptoms only adds to its unpredictability. Here's what makes it so tricky: Your brain and spinal cord are full of nerves that send electrical signals rapidly to all areas of your body, which allow you to walk, talk, see, swallow and much more.