Causes
Despite decades of research, the cause of MS remains a mystery. The best current evidence suggests that lifestyle, environmental, genetic and biological factors all contribute. All these areas are being actively examined. Studies funded by the MS Society are asking if certain risk factors, such as gender, age, family history or lifestyle habits impact a person’s susceptibility to MS.
Diagnosis
60% of adults diagnosed with MS are between the ages of 20 and 49 years old. While it is most often diagnosed in adults aged 20 to 49, younger children and older adults are also diagnosed with the disease. In Canada, 43 is the average age of MS diagnosis. 75% of people in Canada living with MS are women. Women are three times more likely to be diagnosed with MS than men.
The MS Experience
MS often develops slowly, and the symptoms may not appear right away. Upon initial symptoms, a person’s family doctor will refer him or her to a neurologist, who will conduct a full medical history and a neurological examination to assess things like eye movement, strength and coordination. To reach a confirmed diagnosis of MS, the neurologist may employ additional tests, such as a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan which looks for tissue damage in the brain.
The severity of MS, progression and specific symptoms cannot be predicted at the time of diagnosis.
Symptoms
No. Everyone’s experience with MS is different. In addition, MS is divided into several types, depending on the pattern of the individual’s disease:
Relapsing Remitting MS (RRMS) – Characterized by unpredictable but clearly defined periods during which symptoms are apparent. These ‘’relapses” are also known as episodes, attacks, exacerbations, or flare-ups. Relapses can last for varying periods (from a few days to several months) and are followed by periods of recovery, or ‘remission’ during which many functions return. About 85% of people are diagnosed with this form of MS.
Some people with RRMS will eventually transition to a state in which relapses and remissions no longer occur. Symptoms may persist and disability slowly and continually increases. This is referred to as secondary progressive MS (SPMS).
Individuals who accumulate disability and experience worsening of symptoms right from the start are diagnosed with primary progressive MS.
Read more about Symptoms and Symptom Management
Types of MS
There are 3 main types of MS. Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?
Amet minim mollit non deserunt ullamco est sit aliqua dolor do amet sint. Velit officia consequat duis enim velit mollit. Exercitation veniam consequat sunt nostrud amet.
Treatments
MS is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. Since that includes the brain, spinal cord and optic nerve, MS can affect vision, memory, balance and mobility. It is considered an episodic disability meaning that the severity and duration of illness and disability can vary and are often followed by periods of wellness. It can also be progressive.
Additional Information
MS is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. Since that includes the brain, spinal cord and optic nerve, MS can affect vision, memory, balance and mobility. It is considered an episodic disability meaning that the severity and duration of illness and disability can vary and are often followed by periods of wellness. It can also be progressive.