Multiple Sclerosis

Over 100,000 people in the UK have Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and there are more than 2 million worldwide. This condition is mostly common in 20 to 50 year olds but is also found in children and the elderly.

MS affects women three times more than it affects men but there is currently no explanation to why this is. People with MS are expected to live on average around 5 to 7 years less than the general population’s life expectancy.

Risks associated with an increase in MS include smoking and lack of vitamin D.

MS affects everyone differently. The most common form of MS is Relapsing Remitting MS. This affects over 80% of the population who have this condition. Primary progressive MS and also Secondary progressive MS which is the least common one are the other common types of Multiple Sclerosis.

Multiple Sclerosis is a lifelong disease that can affect several parts of the body. These include the spinal cord, the eyes and also the brain. This may cause complication with balance, muscle management, eye sight and other body actions.
Myelin which is a protein surrounding the nerve fibres to the spinal cord and the brain become impaired. This reduces the electrical signals from the brain to the rest of the body.

At present, there is no cure for MS but there are good options to help manage the condition. Treatments that can help with MS include medication, change in style of living and physiotherapy. Physiotherapy can help with day to day life by soothing the symptoms.

Specialist MS nurses are allocated to help you once diagnosed with this condition. Other professionals who may be involved include neurologists, occupational therapists, psychologists and speech therapists.

Famous people who have MS include the deceased comedian and actor Richard Prior, talk show host Montel Williams and Jack Osbourne who is the son of rock legend Ozzie Ozbourne.
 
Please help find a cure for this disease. To donate please click on the link below http://www.mstrust.org.uk/donate-online/.