WHAT IS MS?

What is MS?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological condition that affects the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. In MS, the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers, called myelin, leading to inflammation and damage. This process can disrupt the normal flow of electrical impulses along the nerves.  

Typically, the average age of diagnosis is 20-40 years old – but today, more than ever, the prognosis for young adults is promising. With early detection and a wide variety of treatment options available, individuals are able to not only live with MS, but thrive with MS.

Common Symptoms

Fatigue

Coordination problems

Difficulty with walking and/or balance

Numbness or tingling

Muscle weakness

Vision problems

Dizziness and vertigo

Cognitive changes, including memory and attention

Emotional changes

It’s important to note that the course of MS is variable, and individuals may experience periods of relapse followed by periods of remission.  

Treatment

While there is no one cure for Multiple Sclerosis, there are many treatment options available, including disease-modifying therapies and lifestyle management.  

Disease-modifying therapies work to suppress the immune system to prevent it from further damaging the CNS. Today, there are over 20 different FDA-approved DMTs that are administered in varying ways, such as intravenously, orally, and subcutaneously.  

Other therapeutic approaches, including certain lifestyle changes, have also been shown to enhance the lives of individuals with MS. Examples of these lifestyle changes include, but are not limited to, physical therapy, massage therapy, life coaching, holistic wellness coaching, dietician services, and fitness coaching.  

Prevalence

In the United States, it is estimated that nearly one million people live with Multiple Sclerosis. While it is commonly known that females are more disproportionately affected by MS than males, stratifying this prevalence data by age exemplifies the large population of young adults living with MS. Based on a population estimate by Michael Hittle et al., there are roughly 140,000 adults between the age of 18-34 living with Multiple Sclerosis in the United States.  

Citations

Hittle M, Culpepper WJ, Langer-Gould A, et al. Population-Based Estimates for the Prevalence of Multiple Sclerosis in the United States by Race, Ethnicity, Age, Sex, and Geographic Region. JAMA Neurol.2023;80(7):693–701. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2023.1135