Did You Know?
- An estimated 2,500,000 people in the world have multiple sclerosis - including 85,000 in the UK - it is more common in countries further away from the equator. More about genetic and environmental factors.
- MS is the most common potentially disabling disease of the central nervous system affecting young adults in the Western world. More about what happens in multiple sclerosis.
- Every week around 50 people in the UK are diagnosed with MS.
- Diagnosis is usually between 20 and 40 years of age - rarely under 12 or over 55. More about diagnosis.
- Three women have MS for every two men.
- Prognosis is uncertain - ranging from benign through 'coming and going' to severely disabling. More about the types of multiple sclerosis.
- Common symptoms include pain, deadening fatigue, problems with sight, mobility and co-ordination. More about the symptoms
- MS is not hereditary - but there is a slightly higher chance of getting it if a relative has it - and it is not contagious. More about genetics and MS.
- There is no cure for MS but there are now drugs which can modify its course for some people and many symptoms can be successfully treated or managed. More about disease modifying drugs.
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is giving neurologists better understanding of MS, helping diagnosis and research into treatments. About the MRI Unit funded by the MS Society.
