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10 Quick Facts Everyone Should Know About MS

Here’s what you should know about multiple sclerosis. Once you know the facts, donate to help end MS.

The National MS Society
by The National MS Society

Brand Publisher

1. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, unpredictable disease of the central nervous system.

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MS disrupts the flow of information within the brain and between the brain and body.

2. More than 2.3 million people are affected by MS worldwide.

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The National MS Society continues to advocate for an establishment of a national registry that will track the exact number of people living with MS.

3. Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50.

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However, anyone may develop MS, including children and older adults.

4. Women are much more likely to develop MS than men.

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Women are two to three times more likely to be diagnosed with MS.

5. There is no evidence that MS is directly inherited.

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Studies suggest, however, that genetic factors do increase the risk of developing MS.

6. It is challenging to diagnose MS.

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Early symptoms that come and go may be ignored. While no single diagnostic test is yet available to prove or rule out MS, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a great help in reaching a definitive diagnosis.

7. No two people have exactly the same symptoms.

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Each person’s symptoms can change or fluctuate over time. Symptoms may include blurred vision, loss of balance, poor coordination, numbness, fatigue, problems with memory, concentration, paralysis, blindness, and more.

8. MS symptoms can be invisible.

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Just because someone looks fine doesn’t mean they feel fine.

9. The majority of people with MS do not become severely disabled.

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Two-thirds of people who have MS remain able to walk, though many will need an aid — such as a cane or crutches — to help with balance.

10. MS has no cure.

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While there are several treatments available to slow MS progression for relapsing forms of the disease, there is no cure.

Help end MS forever! Donate today and change the course of the future!

All facts from the The National MS Society.