National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Tumefactive multiple sclerosis


Other Names:
Diffuse cerebral sclerosis of Schilder; Concentric demyelination; Balo's concentric sclerosis; Diffuse cerebral sclerosis of Schilder; Concentric demyelination; Balo's concentric sclerosis; Marburg variant; Balo disease; Baló concentric sclerosis; Balo's disease; Encephalitis periaxialis concentrica See More
Categories:
This disease is grouped under:
Tumefactive multiple sclerosis is characterized by a tumor-like lesion larger than two centimeters and signs and symptoms similar to those of a brain tumor.[1][2] It is a rare form of multiple sclerosis (MS). Symptoms of tumefactive MS often differ from other MS cases and may include, headaches, changes in thinking, confusion, speech problems, seizures, and weakness.[1] The cause of tumefactive MS is not known. It often develops into the relapsing-remitting form of MS.[2][3] In other cases there is only one occurrence of the condition.[2] In still others the disease process remains less clear. While there is no cure for tumefactive MS, treatments such as corticosteroids are available to decrease disease activity.[2][3]
Last updated: 5/18/2016
To date there have been no controlled treatment studies for tumefactive multiple sclerosis. As a result, treatment decisions are largely based on a doctor's experience and information from single case reports.[3]

In a small number of cases, people with tumefactive multiple sclerosis have minimal to no symptoms. A reasonable approach of care in these cases is to monitor without treatment.[3]

In most cases the size of the lesion and resulting symptoms prompts treatment with corticosteroids. As with other forms of multiple sclerosis, corticosteroids (for example, intravenous methylprednisolone) should be the first line of treatment.  If corticosteroids are not effective, plasma exchange is tried. Another second line treatment that has been tried with some success is Rituximab.[3]
Last updated: 5/19/2016

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

  • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are related to Tumefactive multiple sclerosis. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

    Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

Living with a genetic or rare disease can impact the daily lives of patients and families. These resources can help families navigate various aspects of living with a rare disease.

Financial Resources

  • Good Days provides help to patients with life-altering conditions. Assistance includes help with the cost of medications and travel.
  • Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN Foundation) has Assistance Programs for those with health insurance who reside in the United States. The disease fund status can change over time, so you may need to check back if funds are not currently available. 
  • The Assistance Fund provides various services, including education and financial aid, to help patients with a chronic or serious illness cover the cost of FDA-approved medications. Patients must be U.S citizens or permanent residents.

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • The National MS Society offers an overview on tumefactive multiple sclerosis, including information on symptoms and treatment.
  • The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) has a report for patients and families about this condition. NORD is a patient advocacy organization for individuals with rare diseases and the organizations that serve them.

In-Depth Information

  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • Orphanet is a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Access to this database is free of charge.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Tumefactive multiple sclerosis. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know. Submit a new question

  • My mother has MS similar to balo disease and now is under control with Methylprednisolone treatment but cannot get cured. Just want to check whether any one has experience about this MS and whether Interferon will work. See answer


  1. Tumefactive Multiple Sclerosis. Cedars-Sinai. 2016; https://www.cedars-sinai.edu/Patients/Health-Conditions/Tumefactive-Multiple-Sclerosis.aspx. Accessed 5/18/2016.
  2. Olek MJ. Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in adults. In: Gonzalez-Scarano F. ed. UpToDate. Waltham, MA: UpToDate; February 22, 2016; Accessed 5/18/2016.
  3. Hardy TA, Chataway J. Tumefactive demyelination: an approach to diagnosis and management. Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2013; 84:1047. Accessed 5/18/2016.