Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Contact the Neuroimmunology Program

What is multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an condition that harms the nerves’ ability to carry electrical signals that tell the body what to do. It can lead to physical weakness and problems with vision, muscle control, balance and and control. MS and other happen because the immune system attacks the protective covering (myelin) of nerves in the brain and .

Most often, symptoms start in young adults, but MS can affect children as well. Most people with MS have the type called relapsing-remitting MS. A bout of symptoms happens, followed by periods of time with few or no symptoms (called remission). The course of MS is different for each person.

What causes multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Doctors do not know the exact cause. Research suggests that dozens of and gene changes (called variants or mutations) combine to make some people more likely to develop MS. Research also suggests that an environmental factor — like a past viral infection — may increase a person’s risk of developing MS. The disease is not passed down from parent to child, but the gene changes that increase risk may be passed down.

What are the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Most often, MS symptoms start between 20 and 40 years of age, but children and teens can also have MS. The immune system’s attack on myelin results in scarlike tissue (also called plaques or lesions) that can be seen on an .

MS Care at Seattle Children's

Seattle Children’s Neuroimmunology Program treats children and young adults with autoimmune conditions that affect the brain, such as demyelinating diseases like MS.

MS symptoms depend on how severe the attacks are and the location and size of the plaques. Early symptoms of MS include:

Changes in vision
Muscle weakness
Tingling
Numbness
Pain
Problems with balance
Muscle stiffness or
Fatigue
Problems with pooping and peeing (bowel or bladder control)
Mental health changes, such as and
Problems with thinking, learning, memory or speech

How is MS diagnosed?

In our Neuroimmunology Program, a specialist doctor called a will examine you and ask about symptoms and your health history. The doctor will order . MRI provides high-quality pictures to assess your brain, spinal cord and optic nerves that connect the eyes to the brain. A radiologist who specializes in the brain and nervous system () will analyze the MRI, looking for scarlike tissue caused by the immune system attack on the nerve coating (myelin).

Sometimes these tests are also helpful:

to check
Blood tests to check for signs of an problem
for some patients

People with demyelinating diseases that affect the brain may have changes in how their brain develops and works. Our neuropsychologist will assess your thinking, learning, emotions and behavior. Based on the results, we provide expert opinions and recommend treatment options to help at school, at home and in the community.

Most people with MS are diagnosed with the type of multiple sclerosis called relapsing-remitting MS. A bout of symptoms is followed by periods with few or no symptoms (called remission). The time between MS attacks varies from weeks to years. can reduce or prevent further attacks.

How is MS treated?

Our Neuroimmunology Program team includes a and , who will carefully assess you and determine the best care plan. There is no cure for MS, but treatment can help manage symptoms and slow the progress of disease.

We have weekly clinics at our hospital campus in Seattle. We also offer telehealth (virtual) visits. We serve patients throughout Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho.

We provide coordinated care tailored to your needs until you are 21 years old. When the time is right, we help you transition to adult healthcare experts. Our goal is to help you live a full life.

Treating relapses

To relieve symptoms during an MS attack, we give treatment that suppresses the immune system to reduce inflammation. Treatment with by mouth or (intravenous) is most common. Less often, we treat relapses with:

Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs)

DMTs are medications that slow the progress of MS to prevent relapses and limit formation of new lesions in the brain or spinal cord. The different DMTs work in varied ways to affect your body’s immune response. Depending on the medication, they are taken by mouth, injection or infusion.

Managing symptoms of MS

MS symptoms can affect many aspects of your life. We work with you to manage symptoms and refer you to other Seattle Children’s specialists to help with:

Vision problems
Muscle weakness and spasticity
Fatigue
Peeing and pooping (bladder and bowel control)
Problems with thinking, learning and memory
Depression and other mental health challenges

Depending on your needs, you may see experts in neuropsychology, rehabilitation medicine, ophthalmology, physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech and language services. We care for our patients to age 21.

Why choose Seattle Children’s for MS care?

Our Neuroimmunology Program is the only one of its kind in our 4-state region. We are experts in diagnosing and treating babies, children, teens and young adults with demyelinating disease and other autoimmune disorders that affect the brain.
Together with the University of Washington, we have been named a Center of Excellence by the Siegel Rare Neuroimmune Association (SRNA).
Our expertise and state-of-the-art technology and testing help us diagnose you with precision and get you started on the best and most effective therapies. Finding early signs of problems helps limit disability and improve quality of life.
To help you get all your care in one place, on the same day, our Neuroimmunology Program partners with Radiology for like and with Infusion Services to provide medications.
To help you live your best quality of life, we set regular follow-up visits with experts in neuropsychology, rehabilitation medicine, ophthalmology, physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech and language services.
You will benefit from innovations developed at Seattle Children’s to make treatments safer and more effective. Our patients have the option to take part in clinical trials of promising new therapies. Learn about participating in clinical trials at Seattle Children’s.

Contact Us

If you’d like an appointment, ask your healthcare provider to refer you to Seattle Children’s Neuroimmunology Program. We are part of Seattle Children’s Neurosciences Center.
If you have a referral, call 206-987-2078 for an appointment.
Providers, see how to refer a patient for Neurosciences care.