WHAT IS MS?Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and unpredictable disease of the central nervous system (CNS), that produces mental and physical symptoms that may relapse, remit, and/or worsen over time.It's been more than 100 years since researchers and physicians first began describing the damage to the brain and spinal cord in people with symptoms of MS. In the 19th century, French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot examined nerve fibers under the microscope and noticed unusual plaques, or lesions, in the nerve fibers that send messages to and from the brain and spinal cord. He identified a pattern of symptoms that seemed to appear and disappear over a period of time. One day they were present, another day they were not.Much progress has been made in understanding the disease, but the exact cause is still unknown. New methods of diagnosis and treatment have improved the long-term outcome for many people living with MS.But much more work needs to be done. Studies are currently underway examining the genetic aspects of MS, factors that trigger symptoms, and ways to keep the disease from progressing. MS can't be stopped or cured at this time, but new drug therapies that modify the progress of the disease, not available even ten years ago, are improving the quality of life for people with MS.-www.multiplesclerosis.com
WHO GETS MS?There are approximately 350,000 to 400,000 diagnosed cases of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the United States. However, it's estimated that the actual number of Americans with MS may be higher, because many people with mild symptoms never seek medical attention. MS typically begins in early adulthood and symptoms vary from person to person.MS occurs in women twice as often as in men. Although it is most commonly diagnosed in those between the ages of 20 and 50 years, it is occasionally diagnosed in children and older persons. Most cases are found in people living in areas farthest from the equator. But some groups living in these geographic locations, such as the Japanese, have an even lower incidence of the disease than other groups in the same areas.MS occurs in all ethnic groups but is most common in Caucasians, especially those from northern Europe, southern Australia, and the middle part of North America. Although researchers have not pinpointed a reason for this geographic preference, genetic factors and environmental conditions are likely factors. While the number of people diagnosed with MS has remained stable, it has been increasing in some geographic areas and decreasing in others.The average age of onset is 28 and the average age of diagnosis is 33. However, the gap between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis is shortening. This is due, in part, to greater awareness of the disease and improved diagnosis.~www.multiplesclerosis.com