[Multiple sclerosis--symptoms, diagnosis and treatment]

Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system and a common cause of disability among young people. MS is thought to be an autoimmune disease involving both inheritance and environmental factors. The disease is characterized by relapses and the symptoms and course are highly variable. The diagnosis is primarily clinical and supported by results of diagnostic studies. The importance of timely diagnosis has increased with the availability of effective treatment. The purpose of this article is to review symptoms, signs, diagnosis and treatment of multiple sclerosis.