Clinically Isolated Syndrome

Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS) is the term used for an episode that resembles an attack of Multiple Sclerosis, that may be associated with abnormalities on MRI scans of the brain or spinal cord, but that doesn't definitely prove that the person has Multiple Sclerosis. A person with a diagnosis of CIS carries an increased risk of eventually being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, but the risk is not 100%.

The neurological event is most often blurred vision in one eye, but can be something else such as numbness, weakness, or unsteadiness.

It is important to let your doctor know if you have any further episodes of neurological impairment, even if the episodes last only a day or so. Also, if you happen to later remember any previous episodes of neurological impairment that had slipped your mind at the time of your doctor's visit, please be sure to let your doctor know.

Sometimes, those with CIS are advised to start medications that modify the course of Multiple Sclerosis in an attempt to ward off or delay the eventual diagnosis of MS. There is very good evidence that several medications can be very helpful in this situation, but as each person is unique, you must discuss this with your neurologist.