Care for Multiple Sclerosis at University of Colorado Hospital

Why Choose Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis at University of Colorado Hospital?

With just the right balance of patient care, research and education, University of Colorado Hospital provides the highest quality neurological and neurosurgical care in the nation for conditions including Multiple Sclerosis.

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system. It is referred to as an autoimmune disorder. In autoimmune disorders, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells instead of foreign damaging cells.

With multiple sclerosis, tissue that surrounds nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord are attacked, resulting in scar tissue. The build-up of scar tissue causes interference with nerve transmission between the brain and spinal cord. As a result, symptoms such as loss of muscle control, vision and balance occur.

Multiple Sclerosis affects about 400,000 Americans and is more common in men than women. Most people are between the ages of 20 and 50 when diagnosed with the disease. The severity of multiple sclerosis varies from person to person but the most common symptoms include:

• Balance or coordination problems
• Dizziness
• Numbness or abnormal sensations
• Vision problems
• Fatigue
• Memory and attention problems