Here is a list of some quick MS Facts we have compiled and published on our Facebook page so far:
MS Fact # 1 – The number of women diagnosed with MS is greater than men.
MS Fact # 2 – The periods of relapse suffered by a patient will almost always be of different lengths and severity. These relapses can be controlled to an extent with the help of medication.
MS Fact # 3 – Multiple Sclerosis or MS is normally diagnosed after performing a number of tests starting from neurology physical to the MRI and Lumbar Puncture.
MS Fact # 4 – Multiple Sclerosis is mostly diagnosed in people between the age of 20 and 40, even though the actual diagnosis may take more time.
MS Fact # 5 – As far as racial facts are concerned, white people are more likely to get MS as compared to other races. But African American people with MS normally have more severe symptoms as compared to white people.
MS Fact # 6 – According to an estimate, 2,500,000 people in the world have Multiple Sclerosis.
MS Fact # 7 – MS is almost never diagnosed in a child below the age of 12 or in a person above the age of 55.
MS Fact # 8 – Interestingly, people living in countries away from the equator are more likely to have multiple sclerosis than people living closer to the equator.
MS Fact # 9 – The exact cause of Multiple Sclerosis is not known, though it is true that it affects the immune system and the central nervous system of the body directly.
MS Fact # 10 – The four types of MS are benign (mild), relapsing-remitting (moderately mild), secondary-progressive (moderate) and primary-progressive (severe).
MS Fact # 11 – MS is basically caused due to the damage done to the myelin sheath protecting the axons by the blood cells of the immune system.
MS Fact # 12 – Once myelin sheath is destroyed, the axons may still be able to carry electrical signals between nerve cells by compensating for the myelin sheath, but their function is affected nonetheless.
MS Fact # 13 – MS for each person is unique. Therefore, the number of symptoms they have, the severity of their symptoms and attacks as well as the frequency of the attacks will differ from person to person.
MS FACT # 14 – 85% of patients initially diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis start with Relapsing-Remitting MS.
MS FACT # 15 – 50% of MS patients with Relapsing-Remitting MS develop Secondary-Progressive MS within 10 years.
MS FACT # 16 – MS fatigue can make you feel tired, weak, exhausted, weary, heavy, slow and lethargic. Simply walking a few steps to the car or to the toilet can require double the energy.
MS FACT # 17 – Spasticity and stiffness of the muscles due to MS often target the muscles of the legs and arms.
MS FACT # 18 – With MS you can choose to work. Just because you have MS does not mean you cannot work. Just a few simple adjustments can help you work as well as anyone.
MS FACT # 19 – Sleep is very important for MS patients. Fatigue and over-work can slow you down. Feeling fatigued does not mean you are lazy. It just means you need to rest to get your energy back.
MS FACT # 20 – Women with MS can have children. MS doesn’t increase the risk of infertility, miscarriage, birth defects or labor problems.
MS FACT # 21 – Although MS is a potentially disabling disease, most people will not need a walking aid or wheelchair to get around. Even if they do, they can still be happy and productive.
MS FACT # 22 – MS lesions or scars are wounds formed on the myelin sheath as a result of the body’s own immune system constantly picking or attacking the Myelin sheath. You can’t see these scars, but you feel them in the form of MS symptoms.
MS FACT # 23 – MS patients face problems that the average person doesn’t even want to imagine. They are handling and surviving these challenges. MS patients are strong. MS patients are special.
MS FACT # 24 – As an MS patient, your immune system is your enemy. #CureMS
MS FACT # 25 – Stress can trigger a worsening of your MS symptoms and may even lead to a relapse. Managing your stress levels is very important to live a healthy and normal life with MS.
MS FACT # 26 – MS fatigue can be overwhelming. Even while you are Laying Down, you wished you could just Collapse!! That’s what it feels like.
MS FACT # 27 – MS flares and pain can be triggered by heat, stress, fatigue, being overworked and much more. These flare ups are unpredictable and can happen without warning.
MS FACT # 28 – MS can cause bladder problems due to the damage caused to the nerves that signal how the bladder contracts.
MS FACT # 29 – 20% of MS cases are diagnosed after the age of 40.
MS FACT # 30 – People with MS may experience a worsening of their symptoms in hot and humid weather.
Don’t forget to check the Tips for MS Patients we have shared in earlier posts for our readers:
