World Multiple Sclerosis Day

Today, more than two million people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) globally commemorate World Multiple Sclerosis Day and share the challenges of living with MS. World MS Day is a global awareness creation campaign. In support of this important initiative, some quick facts about the disease:

• MS is a disorder of the central nervous system which includes the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves.
• With MS, the nerves of the brain and spinal cord are damaged by one’s own immune system, making this an autoimmune disease.
• MS affects about 2 million people worldwide.
• Women are twice as likely to get MS than men.
• MS is not yet curable or preventable.
• MS is not contagious.
• The cause of MS is still unknown. It may be caused by a virus, although it is unlikely that there is just one MS virus.
• MS more prevalent in temperate zones such as NZ and Northern Europe.
• The most common early symptoms include muscle weakness, decreased coordination, blurred or hazy vision, eye pain and double vision.
• As the disease progresses, symptoms may include muscle stiffness (spasticity), pain, difficulty controlling urination, or problems with cognition.