What do you know about multiple sclerosis? Chances are, very little. “Many people aren’t aware of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, or even of the condition itself,” says Dr. Emma Gray. Considering that approximately 2.5 million people around the world have multiple sclerosis, it is surprising that there is such lack of awareness, but sadly, this is the case.
Dr. Gray is research communications manager at the Multiple Sclerosis Society – a UK charity that funds multiple sclerosis(MS) research, provides information and support to people with MS, and plays a large role in increasing awareness of the condition.
For the MS society and numerous MS charities worldwide, March and April are the key times of the year for raising awareness. For the US, March is National Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month, while in the UK, MS awareness week will take place from April 28th – May 4th.
In line with these campaigns, we look at the signs and symptoms associated with MS, how the disease is diagnosed, treatment options and what is being done to increase awareness of the disease.
MS: a disease of the central of nervous system
MS is a condition of the central nervous system (CNS). It is an autoimmune disease, meaning the immune system attacks itself.
It is believed that T cells (immune cells) in the body mistake myelin – the protective coating of the nerve cell fibers – for a foreign invader and attack it, just like they might attack a virus or bacteria.
It is believed that MS is caused by T cells attacking myelin – the protective coating of the nerve cell fibers.
Diagnosis of MS is most common in adults between the ages of 20 and 40, but children and older adults can still develop the condition. The disease is most common in women, who are three times more likely to develop it than men.
MS is not a hereditary condition. However, if a person has a family member with the disease, their risk of developing MS increases from 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 50.
According to the MS society, the condition is more common in people who live further away from the equator.
It is very common in Britain, North America, Canada, Scandinavia, southern Australia and New Zealand, but extremely rare in Malaysia or Equador – suggesting that environmental factors may play a role in disease development.
Past research has suggested other factors may be a cause of MS. Medical News Today recently reported on a study suggesting that obesity and the use of birth control pills may increase MS risk, while other research suggests that a soil-based bacteria called Clostrodium perfringens may be a cause.
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