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Lesions

By Julie Stachowiak, Ph.D., About.com

Updated: January 14, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition: Also called a plaque, a lesion is an area of the central nervous system that is inflamed or has been demyelinated. When lesions are present, neurons cannot transmit impulses as efficiently. These lesions are responsible for most symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), which differ according to their location in the brain or spinal cord.

Lesions can be seen on MRI scans.

Also Known As: plaques
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