About MS
FAQs
1. What is multiple sclerosis?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, debilitating disease that attacks the myelin in the central nervous system—the protective sheath that covers the nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. When attacked, the transmission of nerve impulses are either slowed or blocked, affecting certain cognitive and physical abilities and skills. It’s a challenging and unpredictable disease, but new treatments and advances in research are giving people new hope for a cure.
2. Who gets multiple sclerosis?
No matter who you are, or where you live, anyone can develop MS. It is estimated that 2.5 million (1) people worldwide and 55,000 to 75,000 people in Canada (2) have MS. It is also projected that in Canada, 1,000 new cases are diagnosed each year (3). MS typically develops during the career building years, between the ages of 15 and 40 (4), and average onset is 31 to 33 (5). As well, MS occurs more frequently in women than in men.
3. What are some common MS symptoms?
MS is an unpredictable disease with symptoms that vary from person to person and range in severity. Symptoms may include: extreme fatigue, numbness, balance and coordination problems, muscle spasms, blurred or loss of vision, sexual dysfunction, bowel or bladder disorder, speech disorder, partial or complete paralysis.
Click here to read more about common symptoms.
4. What causes MS?
Although the causes of MS are still unknown, extensive research and studies have provided progressive insight into the origins and triggers. Scientists believe MS is most likely caused by a combination of immunological, environmental, infectious and genetic factors.
Click here to read more about causes of MS.
5. Is multiple sclerosis fatal?
According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, most people who have MS are expected to live a normal human lifespan. In rare instances, extreme cases of MS may be terminal.
6. Are there treatments for MS?
There are a number of different methods for people with MS to employ that can greatly enhance their quality of life and make life easier. Click here to learn more about cognitive, physical and occupational therapies or complementary and alternative medicine.
Additionally, with the advent of new disease-modifying therapies people with MS now have a chance to slow disability progression. However, not all drug treatments are the same. To learn about the differences between disease-modifying therapies, and how some can help you maintain your ability, click here.
7. Is MS contagious?
MS is not contagious, nor is it directly inherited; however studies suggest certain genetic factors make some people more susceptible to developing MS than others.
8. Is there hope for a cure?
Yes. Scientists continue to work toward making a world without MS. Every day, they are learning more about its causes and are finding easier and better ways to treat it.
References:
1. What is MS? National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Available at: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/what-we-know-about-ms/what-is-ms/index.aspx
2. What causes MS? National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Available at: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/what-we-know-about-ms/what-causes-ms/index.aspx
3. Who gets MS? National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Available at: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/what-we-know-about-ms/who-gets-ms/index.aspx
4. Frequently asked questions. Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.
Available at: http://mssociety.ca/en/information/faq.htm
5. Who gets MS. MS-Network.
Available at: http://www.ms-network.com/intl/msnetwork/general/guide_understanding_ms/what_is_ms/who_gets_ms/who_gets_ms.jsp
Additional source: Frequently asked questions. Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.
Available at: http://mssociety.ca/en/information/faq.htm.
