Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSimilaritiesDifferencesMS DiagnosisCTD DiagnosisWhen to Seek CareFrequently Asked Questions

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Similarities

Differences

MS Diagnosis

CTD Diagnosis

When to Seek Care

Frequently Asked Questions

Multiple sclerosis(MS) andconnective tissue diseases(CTD) areautoimmune diseasesthat share many of the same symptoms. MS is a tissue-specific autoimmune disease that affects themyelin sheath(the fatty tissue surrounding nerves in the brain and spinal cord).

MS has similar features to connective tissue diseases, which are disorders that cause inflammation of the connective tissues throughout the body, such as cartilage, fat, ligaments, skin, and more. The similarities between these conditions can prolong and complicate the diagnostic process.

This article explains the differences and similarities between MS and connective tissue disease and why it’s essential that all MS patients be screened for CTD.

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A family caregiver helps a person with multiple sclerosis get out of vehicle and into wheelchair

MS and Connective Tissue Disease Similarities

MS presents with “demyelination” of the myelin sheaths surrounding nerves in the central nervous system (CNS). Demyelination is less likely to be found in other autoimmune and connective tissue diseases.

However, a recent study showed how demyelination might rarely occur in connective tissue diseases such assystemic lupus erythematosus(SLE) andantiphospholipid syndrome(APS).

The study concluded that if demyelinated lesions are present but they’re not MS, it’s essential to look at other connective diseases as possible causes. The study also reported that a small percentage of people might later develop MS, which could appear in follow-up appointments.

MS and Connective Tissue Disease Differences

There are more than 200 inflammatory connective tissue disorders, and symptoms may vary.Symptoms can also affect several different parts of the body, including:

Connective tissue diseases may affect a specific body system. For example, symptoms that affect the heart and blood vessels can affect the pulmonary system. However, in some cases, many body systems may become involved.

Some affected with MCTD may also havesymptoms of rheumatoid arthritisorSjögren’s disease.

A definitive MS diagnosis usually requires advanced imaging, such asmagnetic resonance imaging(MRI), the gold standard for detecting demyelination.

Computed tomography(CT) scans may also help rule out other neurological conditions and help to diagnose MS. However, CT images provide less clarity than MRIs.

Physical and neurological assessments, collecting a past medical history, laboratory blood tests, andlumbar puncture(spinal tap) may help diagnose MS symptoms. However, they cannot alone provide a diagnosis.

How MS Is Diagnosed

Connective Tissue Disease Diagnosis

Healthcare providers may order various tests for CTD depending on what symptoms a person is experiencing. Many types of connective tissue diseases require their own diagnostic testing methods. Some types of connective tissue diseases include:

Along with a physical and neurological examination, your healthcare provider will gather all past medical history information. Additional diagnostic testing may include:

When to See a Healthcare Provider

You should see your healthcare provider if you have unusual physical or neurological symptoms. Without diagnostic testing, it’s difficult or impossible to determine the cause of your symptoms and receive a diagnosis.

Symptoms of MS may include:

There is a wide range of symptoms for connective tissue diseases. Some people with a connective tissue disease experience subtle signs of the disease many years before being diagnosed. Some early symptoms may include:

Is There a Cure for MS?Unfortunately, there is no cure for MS at this time. However, effective treatment options are available to manage symptoms and delay disease progression.

Is There a Cure for MS?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for MS at this time. However, effective treatment options are available to manage symptoms and delay disease progression.

Summary

One of the main differences distinguishing MS from connective tissue diseases is that myelin sheath damage is less likely to be found in other conditions. However, it can be in some cases.

A Word From Verywell

Receiving a diagnosis for an autoimmune disease can be frightening. Fortunately, there are specialists who treat autoimmune diseases like MS and CTD, and many resources are available for symptom management. With the help of a team of healthcare providers, many people have a high quality of life with their autoimmune disease.

Frequently Asked QuestionsTo find out if you have a connective tissue disorder, you must see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. They will gather all past medical history information along with a physical and neurological examination. Additional diagnostic testing may include a CT scan, an MRI, blood tests, antibody tests, urine tests, tissue biopsy, a chest X-ray, or a lumbar puncture.MS is a connective tissue disease affecting the body’s central nervous system (CNS). This condition damages the myelin sheath, the fatty tissue surrounding and insulating nerves in the brain and spinal cord. This damage slows or stops nerve signals from sending information from the CNS to the rest of the body.Symptoms of MS may include balance issues, numbness or abnormal sensation in any area, problems moving arms or legs, difficulty walking, coordination issues, tremors, and weakness in one or more arms or legs.Learn MoreEarly Signs of MS

To find out if you have a connective tissue disorder, you must see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. They will gather all past medical history information along with a physical and neurological examination. Additional diagnostic testing may include a CT scan, an MRI, blood tests, antibody tests, urine tests, tissue biopsy, a chest X-ray, or a lumbar puncture.

MS is a connective tissue disease affecting the body’s central nervous system (CNS). This condition damages the myelin sheath, the fatty tissue surrounding and insulating nerves in the brain and spinal cord. This damage slows or stops nerve signals from sending information from the CNS to the rest of the body.

Symptoms of MS may include balance issues, numbness or abnormal sensation in any area, problems moving arms or legs, difficulty walking, coordination issues, tremors, and weakness in one or more arms or legs.Learn MoreEarly Signs of MS

Symptoms of MS may include balance issues, numbness or abnormal sensation in any area, problems moving arms or legs, difficulty walking, coordination issues, tremors, and weakness in one or more arms or legs.

Learn MoreEarly Signs of MS

7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Fanouriakis A, Voumvourakis K, Papathanasiou M, et al.FRI0269: “If it’s not multiple sclerosis, look for a connective tissue disease”: atypical demyelinating disorders referred to a tertiary rheumatology centre.Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. 2017;76(Suppl 2):588-588. doi:10.1136/annrheumdis-2017-eular.6438MedlinePlus.Connective tissue disorders.National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.Mixed connective tissue disease.MedlinePlus.Multiple sclerosis.Cedars Sinai.Connective tissue disorders.MedlinePlus.Antinuclear antibody test (ANA).Arthritis Society.Mixed connective tissue disease.

7 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Fanouriakis A, Voumvourakis K, Papathanasiou M, et al.FRI0269: “If it’s not multiple sclerosis, look for a connective tissue disease”: atypical demyelinating disorders referred to a tertiary rheumatology centre.Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. 2017;76(Suppl 2):588-588. doi:10.1136/annrheumdis-2017-eular.6438MedlinePlus.Connective tissue disorders.National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.Mixed connective tissue disease.MedlinePlus.Multiple sclerosis.Cedars Sinai.Connective tissue disorders.MedlinePlus.Antinuclear antibody test (ANA).Arthritis Society.Mixed connective tissue disease.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Fanouriakis A, Voumvourakis K, Papathanasiou M, et al.FRI0269: “If it’s not multiple sclerosis, look for a connective tissue disease”: atypical demyelinating disorders referred to a tertiary rheumatology centre.Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. 2017;76(Suppl 2):588-588. doi:10.1136/annrheumdis-2017-eular.6438MedlinePlus.Connective tissue disorders.National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.Mixed connective tissue disease.MedlinePlus.Multiple sclerosis.Cedars Sinai.Connective tissue disorders.MedlinePlus.Antinuclear antibody test (ANA).Arthritis Society.Mixed connective tissue disease.

Fanouriakis A, Voumvourakis K, Papathanasiou M, et al.FRI0269: “If it’s not multiple sclerosis, look for a connective tissue disease”: atypical demyelinating disorders referred to a tertiary rheumatology centre.Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. 2017;76(Suppl 2):588-588. doi:10.1136/annrheumdis-2017-eular.6438

MedlinePlus.Connective tissue disorders.

National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.Mixed connective tissue disease.

MedlinePlus.Multiple sclerosis.

Cedars Sinai.Connective tissue disorders.

MedlinePlus.Antinuclear antibody test (ANA).

Arthritis Society.Mixed connective tissue disease.

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