Skip to navigation MENU Navigation National Multiple Sclerosis Society Search Schilder's Disease IN THIS ARTICLE Overview What causes Schilder’s disease? How is Schilder’s disease similar to MS? Overview Schilder’s disease is a very rare, progressive, degenerative, demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) that usually begins in childhood and young adulthood. Schilder’s disease is thought to be a variant of MS. As the disease progresses, larger and larger patches of demyelination occur, interfering with motor movement, speech, personality, hearing and vision, ultimately affecting the vital functions of respiration, heart rate, blood pressure. Schilder's disease is also known as diffuse cerebral sclerosis, diffuse cerebral sclerosis of Schilder and myelinoclastic diffuse sclerosis. Schilder’s disease is not the same as Addison-Schilder disease (adrenoleukodystophy), a rare inherited disease characterized by a biochemical abnormality in the myelin. What causes Schilder’s disease? The underlying cause of Schilder’s disease is unknown. Schilder’s disease often occurs shortly after an infectious illness and may begin with headache, a general feeling of discomfort or illness, and fever. Symptoms are caused by widespread patches of demyelination throughout the brain and spinal cord, resulting in slowed transmission of nerve signals. How is Schilder’s disease similar to MS? Schilder’s disease resembles MS in both its pathology (widespread demyelination of the brain) and some of its symptoms (difficulties with movement, speech and memory, among others). SHARE Share 10 Discover More Here are a few related topics that may interest you Pediatric MS LEARN MORE Transverse Myelitis LEARN MORE Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) LEARN MORE HTLV-I Associated Myelopathy (HAM) LEARN MORE Previous Next The National MS Society is Here to Help NEED MORE INFORMATION? We Are Here Our MS Navigators help identify solutions and provide access to the resources you are looking for. Call 1-800-344-4867 or contact us online. Contact Us NEWLY DIAGNOSED If you or somone close to you has recently been diagnosed, access our MS information and resources. Start Here Colophon STAY INFORMED JOIN US What Is MS? Symptoms & Diagnosis Treating MS Resources & Support Living Well with MS Research Get Involved Program Calendar About the Society Vision Careers Leadership Cultural Values Our Story Financials News Newsroom MS Prevalence Charitable Ratings Corporate Support Helpful Links Donate Fundraising Events National MS Society Blog COVID-19 Información en Español Glossary Legal Notice/Privacy Policy Site Map Site Tour Contact Us For Professionals Researchers Physicians Nurses Rehabilitation Professionals Mental Health Professionals Health and Wellness Professionals © 2021 The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is a tax exempt 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Its Identification Number (EIN) is 13-5661935. We use cookies to provide an enhanced experience, to keep our site safe and to deliver specific messaging. By accepting, you consent to the use of all cookies and by declining, only essential cookies will be used to make our website work. More details can be found in our Privacy Policy. Chat Chat