Not a substitute for medical advice. Information on the state of research, not a treatment recommendation. Voices and presenters are AI-generated, not doctors. More (German)
🧪 Beta test MS Info Channel app and Memory Trainer (15 brain games) – try them free now!
📋 Join the group 📱 Download the MS app (German) 🧠 Download Memory Trainer (German)
MS basics

What is multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. Here you can read in plain language what happens in the body, which disease courses exist and what is known about the causes.

This text provides general information and is no substitute for medical advice. Diagnosis and treatment belong in the hands of neurologists; never stop prescribed medication on your own. Rules, approvals and guidelines differ from country to country; sources marked (German) refer to Germany.

MS in brief

In multiple sclerosis (MS, also called encephalomyelitis disseminata), the immune system attacks structures in the person's own brain and spinal cord. The main target is myelin, the insulating sheath around nerve fibres, and sometimes the nerve fibres themselves. This creates inflammatory areas (lesions) that disturb signal transmission.

Because inflammation can arise in very different places, symptoms vary widely. That is why MS is called the “disease of a thousand faces”. It is not contagious and not a classic hereditary disease.

How common is MS?

Worldwide, an estimated 2.8 million people live with MS. In Germany, the DMSG assumes about 280,000 people are affected. The disease usually begins between the ages of 20 and 40, and women are affected about two to three times as often as men.

Disease courses

  • Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS): the most common form at the start. New symptoms appear as a relapse and then recede fully or partly.
  • Secondary progressive MS (SPMS): after years of a relapsing course, disability slowly increases, with or without additional relapses.
  • Primary progressive MS (PPMS): a gradual worsening from the start, about 10 to 15 percent of people.
  • Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS): a first episode that does not yet meet all the criteria for an MS diagnosis.

Specialists today also describe the course as “active” or “not active” (relapses or new MRI lesions) and with or without progression of disability.

What are the causes?

The exact cause is not known. A combination of several factors is assumed:

  • genetic predisposition (it raises the risk but does not determine it alone),
  • an earlier infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV); large studies see a clear association,
  • low vitamin D levels and little sunlight,
  • smoking and overweight in adolescence.

You can find more on current studies under Studies & research; we explain the EBV research in the podcast.

What happens after diagnosis?

What matters is therapy started early, regular check-ups and a daily life that suits you. Read on: MS symptoms, MS diagnosis and MS treatments. Newly diagnosed? Our guide “Newly diagnosed with MS” (in German) offers orientation for the first weeks.

Frequently asked questions

Is MS curable?

No, MS cannot be cured so far. But there are effective therapies that can clearly reduce relapses and slow progression.

Is MS hereditary?

MS is not a classic hereditary disease. The risk is somewhat higher in affected families, but most children of people with MS do not develop it.

Is MS contagious?

No. MS is not contagious.

Does MS shorten life expectancy?

On average, life expectancy is slightly reduced in MS; this gap is getting smaller with modern therapies. Your neurologist can give you a personal assessment.

Sources

As of: 2026-11-02. More basics: MS symptoms: early signs and typical complaints · MS diagnosis: how multiple sclerosis is established · MS treatments at a glance.