Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

281
multiple sclerosis
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numbness to paralysis and blindness. People with
MS experience attacks of symptoms that may last
days, months, or longer. For many patients, the dis-
ease is progressive and leads to disablement,
although some cases enter long, perhaps even per-
manent, remission. The cause of MS is unknown,
although viral activity is suspected. Most patients are
diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40. Until
recently, treatment had focused on preventing
attacks. Steroids, interferon, and medications to
treat specific symptoms (such as fatigue, depres-
sion, and vertigo) are standard, along with lifestyle
changes to avoid stress and other triggers. New
treatment options involve immune system modula-
tion or support. 
multiple symmetric lipomatosis
See 
lipo-
matosis, familial benign cervical.
mumps
An acute viral illness that is caused by a
paramyxovirus and that usually presents with
inflammation of the salivary glands, particularly the
parotid glands. A child with mumps often looks like
a chipmunk with a full mouth due to the swelling of
the salivary glands near the ears. Mumps can also
cause inflammation of other tissues, most frequently
the covering and substance of the central nervous
system (meningoencephalitis), the pancreas (pan-
creatitis), and, especially after adolescence, the
ovaries (oophoritis) or the testes (orchitis). The
mature testes are particularly susceptible to damage
from mumps, which can lead to infertility. Mumps
spreads easily through airborne particles of human
saliva. Treatment involves rest and use of nonaspirin
pain relievers to ease pain in swollen areas. Rarely,
mumps can cause a form of meningitis, in which
case hospitalization may be necessary. Mumps can
be prevented via a vaccine. See also 
meningitis;
MMR; mumps immunization.