When the myelin is damaged, nerve impulses are not quickly and efficiently transmitted. These symptoms may go away or may remain after an attack. They may get progressively worse over time. For individuals with progressive forms of MS, these symptoms may gradually worsen over time without rapid or abrupt changes. Symptoms associated with relapses or attacks usually develop over a period of hours to days, persist for a matter of days or weeks, and then partially or completely disappear with or without treatment.
New attacks occur at irregular intervals.
The diagnosis of MS is based on a clinical history and examination showing evidence of multiple neurologic lesions over time, and the lack of an alternative diagnosis. Your neurologist will order tests which will help confirm the diagnosis. Computer assisted electrodiagnostic tests called evoked responses may also be used to aid in diagnosis. The cause of MS is unknown. MS is slightly more likely when there is a close relative with the disease, implying a genetic predisposition.