WHAT IS MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS?

As World Multiple Sclerosis Day draws near on 30 May, we need to raise awareness of this debilitating disease

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Imagine not being able to get up and just do the things you take for granted every day because every move is pure hell.

WHAT IS MS?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an auto-immune disease affecting more than 2.3 million people worldwide; in South Africa, one in 700 people are living with it. It’s one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system (made up of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves).

The Mayo Clinic describes MS as a disabling disease, where the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibres and causes communication problems between your brain and the rest of your body. Eventually, the nerves deteriorate or become permanently damaged.

HOW IS IT DETECTED?
Can be very similar to other diseases and there’s no single diagnostic test. It’s important to consult a neurologist who specialises in MS for a proper diagnosis through neurological examination and an MRI. MS strikes between the ages of 15 and 60, and women are three times more likely to develop MS than men. It is not contagious.
RISKS AND EFFECTS
Obesity, especially in childhood, can increase your risk of getting MS, making your symptoms more severe and triggering more frequent relapses. Severe depression is also often linked to MS.

The lack of control over one’s body and constant pain lead to irritability, mood swings and uncontrollable emotional outbursts. Plus, there’s the fear of the unknown, putting severe stress on relationships with family, friends and caregivers. Extreme grief or excessive stress can also trigger MS. Low vitamin D levels are a red flag, too, because it’s needed to help guard against immune-mediated diseases such as MS. Smoking is known to aggravate the symptoms of MS, and some research shows that a smoking habit may actually spark MS in the first place.
When it comes to risk factors, your ethnicity and where you live matter. MS occurs more commonly among Caucasians, especially those of northern European ancestry, while people of African, Asian and Hispanic backgrounds are in the lower risk groups. It’s also more prevalent in regions that have a temperate climate.

NEED HELP?
Reach out to Multiple Sclerosis South Africa (MSSA), which offers many resources and support groups for people living with MS, and their families.

Call: 082 550 5486
Email: info@multiplesclerosis.co.za

By: Pepe Sofianos
Photo: Gallo/Getty Images
Illustration: Freepik