Multiple Sclerosis Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complicated, worsening chronic disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS). This disease causes destruction of myelin around nerve fibers. “The exact etiology of multiple sclerosis is unknown; however, it is believed to be an immune-mediated disease. MS is characterized by inflammation of the central nervous system, demyelination and axonal loss” (Compston & Coles, 2008). Typically, it is described by early relapses and remissions of central nervous system neurologic signs. This is known as relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). MS can be identified by a variety of known risk factors. Multiple sclerosis can be caused by a combination of hereditary and environmental risk factors such as smoking or exposure to a virus such as Epstein Barr. The inflammatory process has an interesting role on the central nervous system. The body's inflammatory process is facilitated by T and B cell responses to autoantigens within the central nervous system. The inflammatory process that occurs within the central nervous system causes diminishing changes in the brain. Some changes include axonal loss and immobilizing neurological damage. The remaining damage that occurs is irreversible and permanent in the brain and spinal cord. The symptoms of MS depend on the type and severity of the disease. If the type and severity of the disease are severe, the symptoms will be more extreme. Some of the most common symptoms experienced include sensory symptoms; such as numbness, tingling or pain, fatigue, visual disturbances, elimination problems such as frequency or urgency, and depression. There are many methods to diagnose MS. There has been an increase in treatment options available and new drugs are continually being tested every year. By...... half of the article ......rini, C., & Ruggieri, S. (2011). Emerging oral drugs for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Expert Opinion on Emerging Medicines, 16, 697Y712.Jeffrey S. (2011). The second phase 3 study with alemtuzumab in MS is positive. Medscape Medical News. Available at: www.medscape.comMcDonald, W.I., Compston, A., Edan, G., Goodkin, D., Hartung, H.P., Lublin, F.D., IWolinsky, J.S. (2001). Recommended diagnostic criteria for multiple sclerosis: Guidelines from the International Panel on the Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. Annals of Neurology, 50,121-127. Wynn, D., Kaufman, M., Montalban, X., Vollmer, T., Simon, J., Elkins, J., I Rose, J. W. (2010). Daclizumab in active relapsed multiple sclerosis (CHOICE study): an additional phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, interferon beta study. Lancet neurology, 9, 381-390.