Multiple Sclerosis (MS) vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are both autoimmune diseases that develop in similar ways. An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system mistakes healthy cells for foreign pathogens and attacks them. While MS and RA can appear similar, the two have distinct differences.

MS targets the brain and spinal cord, attacking the myelin sheath, which is the protective coating found on nerves. RA mainly targets the cartilage in the joints. In some cases, the two diseases can occur simultaneously, which causes confusion in diagnosis and treatment.

This article discusses the similarities and differences between MS and RA, as well as the diagnostic tools used to determine whether a person has MS, RA, or both.

Similarities

Both MS and RA have similar disease progression and are often considered the most disabling autoimmune diseases. Similarities between the two diseases include:

• Consequences: In both RA and MS, the process of damage is caused by chronic inflammation that develops because of an overactive immune system.
• Tissue damage: The damage done to the tissues in both RA and MS causes a person to experience motor dysfunction in muscles, affecting walking and running.
• Symptoms: Some symptoms of MS and RA are similar, such as fatigue and weakness. Over time, both diseases also cause problems with mobility in different ways.
• Treatment: The treatments developed for both diseases are similar and often include medications to reduce inflammation and to suppress the immune system so that it can't cause further damage.
• Genetic background: Many people with either RA or MS share genetic factors that may be linked to the development of the diseases.
• Autoantibodies: Antibodies are types of proteins that are designed to help the immune system find and destroy pathogens. Autoantibodies are similar, in the sense that they target and kill cells. However, they are produced by the immune system and then target the body’s own healthy proteins or cells.
• Progression: Both RA and MS are progressive diseases, meaning they get worse over time. However, with the treatments available, progression usually only occurs if untreated or undertreated.
  

Because of the similarities between the two diseases, they are sometimes referred to as “siblings.”

Differences

The main difference between MS and RA is the area of the body affected by each. In RA, the joints are affected. In MS, there is damage to the central nervous system, which consists of the brain and spinal cord.

The symptoms that occur in both can also differ, although some are the same. The differing symptoms of RA and MS include:

Diagnosis

Diagnosing MS and RA can be a complicated process, because healthcare professionals have not yet developed one specific test for either condition. Typically, diagnosis can only be done by gathering information from various types of lab tests, as well as physical findings and self-reported symptoms.

The main goal after diagnosing either condition is to investigate:

• How much damage has been done to the affected areas
• The progression of the disease
• How it is continually affecting the body
• If remission is possible

Remission is a period when the symptoms of disease go away completely or are reduced.

Summary

Both MS and RA are autoimmune diseases. The immune system mistakes healthy parts of the body for foreign invaders and begins to destroy them. There are several similarities between the two diseases, such as some symptoms, the type of problems that develop, and how it progresses over time.

However, there are also some differences, including the typical symptoms and the body areas affected. The best way to tell the difference between the two diseases is to judge your symptoms. RA will be most present in the joints, whereas MS can cause symptoms in many areas of the body.

Healthcare providers have to use symptoms, physical attributes of the diseases, and the results from various lab tests to diagnose either condition. An early diagnosis can help reduce disease progression and limit a person's risk of suffering from debilitating symptoms later on.

A Word From Verywell 

Having an autoimmune disease such as MS or RA can be difficult to cope with, because they get worse over time. Remember that both diseases are treatable, and slowing the progression is possible. If you have symptoms of either disease or both, see your healthcare provider for a prompt investigation. MS and RA are similar, but not the same, and it's essential to know what you have for the best possible treatment.