Sclerosis

Updated: 2025-01-29

Description

A hardening of tissue in the body from inflammation, scarring or disease.

Overview

Sclerosis is a hardening of a tissue in the body. It's caused by inflammation, scarring or disease and can limit the affected tissue's ability to function. Conditions that involve sclerosis affecting nerves include multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Sclerosis of the arteries, such as in atherosclerosis, can cause problems in multiple organs.

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on what part of the body the sclerosis affects. For example, if sclerosis affects the nerves, it may cause muscle weakness, spasms and numbness. Sclerosis affecting the skin or internal organs can cause thickened patches of skin or damage to organ tissue.

Treatments

Depending on the type of sclerosis, treatment may include medicines, physical therapy, mechanical assistance and lifestyle changes to improve daily functioning.