Skip to content
knowrare
HealthSignal
Your condition community

Living with Balo concentric sclerosis

A rare form of multiple sclerosis with a large, tumor-like lesion in the brain, usually in adults.

Understanding Balo concentric sclerosis

Baló concentric sclerosis is a rare form of multiple sclerosis (MS) with a tumor-like lesion larger than two centimeters.

It is also called tumefactive multiple sclerosis. Its signs can look like those of a brain tumor. It usually starts in adulthood. Symptoms often differ from other MS cases.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list a symptom list. The summary describes these features:

  • Headaches
  • Changes in thinking
  • Confusion
  • Speech problems
  • Seizures
  • Weakness

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

  4. Connect with expert centers

    Global Autoimmune Institute and National Multiple Sclerosis Society may keep lists of experts for this condition.

Care & treatment

Care team
Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists)
Expert care
Expert lists: Global Autoimmune Institute, National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with Accelerated Cure Project and other patient organizations
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
What tests, such as an MRI, help tell this apart from a brain tumor?
Which neurologist should manage my care?
How will my symptoms be monitored over time?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startAdult

The cause of Baló concentric sclerosis is not known.

Neurological

Also known as: balo disease; balo's concentric sclerosis; balos concentric sclerosis; baló concentric sclerosis; concentric demyelination; concentric sclerosis

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Balo concentric sclerosisGARD ID 5885 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Balo concentric sclerosis.

Explore the Balo concentric sclerosis blog

Explore research for Balo concentric sclerosis

Explore actively recruiting Balo concentric sclerosis studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Balo concentric sclerosis with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper

I can help you find recruiting Balo concentric sclerosis studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

Get Signals for Balo concentric sclerosis

Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.

HealthStoryfor Balo concentric sclerosis

Create a living journal that talks back

HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Balo concentric sclerosis experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.

Start your journal

Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.