Multiple sclerosis or MS is a neurological disease that affects the central nervous system and can bring changes. It is autoimmune, which means it will impact the body’s ability to fight diseases, and the defense mechanism will start attacking the body’s cells.

Let us discuss ten facts about MS.

1. MS is a chronic condition
Multiple Sclerosis or MS is a chronic condition which means that there is currently no cure for it, and it lasts long. Although the disease is not fatal for most people who have it, there have been several complications where a person’s life expectancy has been shortened due to MS.

2. The cause is not known
Doctors have no clear findings currently about why the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerves. There are some risk factors that the doctors have pointed out, like family history, smoking, having had some types of viral infections, and few others, but the exact cause has not been found out.

3. Symptoms can be of varying severity
Although the condition is not fatal, the symptoms can vary among different people. One in three people suffering from MS loses the ability to walk. In several cases, however, the symptoms can be mild.

4. MS is often difficult to diagnose
Various symptoms of MS are similar to those of other conditions, and it tends to get challenging to diagnose MS at times. Several tests such as blood tests, MRI scans, and evoked potential tests may be used to understand whether a person has MS.

5. MS is more common among younger adults
Although MS may also be present among older people and kids, it is more prevalent among younger adults. The condition is most common among people in the age group of 20 to 50 years old. When a diagnosis of the disease is made for over 50-year-old persons, it is referred to as late-onset MS.

6. Relapse and remission are common in MS
Relapse is common among people who are going through treatment of MS. Remission may also happen among MS patients, and it can last for even several years in few cases.

7. MS impacts cognitive behavior
MS can impact one’s cognitive behavior, and it is common for people with MS to have problems with memory or even express themselves using the right words. Problem-solving skills may be compromised, and concentration may be impacted.

8. MS is more common among women
MS is twice as common in women as it is in men. Experts do not know the reason for this, but the condition can also impact women’s reproductive and sexual health.

9. Therapies including vitamin D might help
There are now various means to manage the condition, and vitamin D is one of the common remedies recommended by doctors. Other lifestyle changes include having a healthy diet, trying to avoid stress, and sleeping well.

10. MS has invisible symptoms
Some of the symptoms of MS, like sensory problems, blurred vision, and chronic pain, are not visible. Thus, MS is also referred to as “silent disease” or “invisible illness.”