Living With The Symptoms Of Multiple Sclerosis

Furthermore, it can adversely affect the spinal cord. To understand why this happens, it helps to know a little bit more about the epidemiology of multiple sclerosis.

The long and short of it is that MS initially starts by attacking the body's immune system, which is the network of cells, tissue, and organs responsible for keeping infections and other diseases at bay. Generally speaking, the stronger the immune system, the less likely an individual is to fall victim to illness or disease. That aside, MS causes the gradual deterioration of myelin in the immune system. For context, myelin is a protective spathe covering the nerves responsible for relaying signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Over time, this deterioration worsens to the point that the spathe, not to mention the nerves in which its tasked with covering and protecting, ultimately becomes permanently damaged, which is often the case for those diagnosed with late-stage MS.

How Prevalent Is Multiple Sclerosis in the United States?

Now that we are a little more up to speed in terms of the epidemiology of multiple sclerosis, let's take a look at just how prevalent the disease is in the United States. According to an article published by the National Institutes of Health, the world's largest biomedical research agency, an estimated 400,000 people in America are struggling with MS. And the prevalence of disease extends well beyond America's borders insofar as it affects the lives of some 2.1 million people globally. While we are on the topic, it is worth noting that even some of Hollywood's most elite celebrities have had their lives upended by the potentially disabling disease. Some of the most notable ones include Montel Williams, Terri Garr, and Jamie-Lynne Sigler, for example.

Of course, it does not end there as the disease also affects the lives of political figures. In an article published by MedPage Today, an online resource for clinical and policy coverage that impacts the lives and practices of professionals in the healthcare sector, former first lady Michele Obama revealed that her father was diagnosed with MS while in his 30s. In the article, she laments about how difficult it was to watch multiple sclerosis make everyday tasks, such as walking across a room or buttoning a shirt, exceedingly difficult for him.

What Symptoms Are Associated With MS?

Having discussed the prevalence of multiple sclerosis in America and how the disease starts, let's turn our attention to some of the symptoms commonly associated with the disease. Most people diagnosed with MS will often find themselves having to contend with the following in terms of symptoms:

• A numb or tingling sensation in the limbs
  
  
• Spasticity
  
  
• Dizziness
  
  
• Tremors
  
  
• Chronic fatigue
  
  
• Vertigo
  
  
• Vision problems, including blurred, double vision, and blindness
  
  
• Difficulty speaking
  
  
• An inability to control bowel movements
  
  
• Urinary incontinence

Something else to note when it comes to MS symptoms is that they can vary considerably from one person to the next, both in terms of specific symptoms and severity. And numerous things go into explaining why this is the case. Firstly, MS is a progressive disease, meaning it is one that gets worse over time. For that reason, some people might only encounter one or two symptoms when it is in its early stage, and the severity of those symptoms are generally not as intense. Of course, as the disease wears on, all of this changes insofar as most people will experience a broader range of symptoms, which are often quite severe.

What Causes Multiple Sclerosis?

If you're curious about what causes MS in the first place, you should know that the medical and scientific community share the same curiosity. The exact cause of multiple sclerosis, which, by the way, is characterized as an autoimmune disease because of the way it attacks the immune system, is not known. However, numerous studies have been, and continue to be, conducted on the disease to better understand it and why it develops in some people and not in others.

Who Is Most at Risk of Suffering From Multiple Sclerosis?

Despite the exact cause of MS being a mystery, researchers, physicians, and epidemiologists that have studied the disease have found that certain factors can increase one's likelihood of developing it, some of which include the following:

Genetics – Studies show that genetics play a significant role when it comes to our overall health and well-being. And the probability of being diagnosed with MS is no exception. More often than not, if an individual has a family member struggling with MS, that alone can put them at a high risk of developing the disease themselves.

Race – According to an article published by the Mayo Clinic, a nonprofit academic medical center based in Rochester, MN, individuals who are of Northern European descent are at the highest chance of coming face-to-face with MS. By comparison, Asians, African-Americans, and Native Americans are far less likely to develop this life-changing disease.

Smoking – Along with all of the other health problems associated with smoking, multiple sclerosis is yet another one of them. While the correlation is not clear, studies show that individuals who smoke are more likely to develop MS compared to those who do not.

Vitamin D deficiency – The body uses vitamin D, which mostly comes from exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays, to absorb calcium, which, in turn, helps to build stronger bones and teeth. However, it also uses vitamin D to strengthen the immune system. Therefore, low exposure to sunlight can also increase an individual's chances of developing MS, according to some studies.

Gender – Unfortunately, when it comes to the probability of developing MS, women are as much as three times more likely to be diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when compared to men.

It is worth noting that many factors can increase one's chances of being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis; however, those detailed in this article are among the most common.

Is Multiple Sclerosis Curable?

One of the most unfortunate things when it comes to MS is that there is, as of the writing of this article, no cure for the disease. However, it is worth noting that quitting smoking and taking a few minutes out of the day to bask in the sun's ultraviolet rays can help lower one's chances of developing it. Adopting other healthy lifestyle habits, such as exercising regularly and consuming a well-balanced diet, for example, can also help keep the disease at bay. Of course, for those already diagnosed with MS, you should know that there is a plurality of prescription-based medications that can provide relief from many of the symptoms related to the disease. There is even evidence that shows taking certain dietary supplements can make life with MS a little more bearable as well.

Bottom Line

In summary, MS is a disease that impacts the lives of many people both in America and across the globe, and the symptoms associated with it can take a significant toll on one's day-to-day life. Fortunately, even though it is not curable, there are ways to slow down how quickly MS advances. The same is true when it comes to both the symptoms and the severity of those symptoms associated with it.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.