World MS Day: Navigating MS Together
What is multiple sclerosis (MS)?
MS is a condition that damages nerves in the central nervous system causing a wide range of ailments including:
- stiffness and numbness
- vision or eye problems
- pain
- tremors (shaking in the arms or legs)
- trouble walking
- dizziness and balance issues
- trouble talking or swallowing
- muscle spasms (sudden, uncontrolled movements)
- loss of bladder control
- sexual problems
- memory issues
- emotional issues
MS in the UK
More than 150,000 people in the UK have MS. There are nearly 7,100 new cases diagnosed each year in the UK, and there is no cure.
Anyone can get MS; it is caused when your immune system attacks your brain and nerves, but it is still not well known why it occurs. You could be at greater risk for MS if:
- You are between the ages of 20 and 50
- You are a woman – women are more likely to get MS than men
- You have a family member who has MS
- You are a smoker
- You are overweight (obese)
- You’ve had Epstein-Barr virus (a very common type of herpes virus).
For more information about MS, click here.
About World MS Day
This annual event is hosted by members of the MS International Federation team to raise awareness about MS. Their campaign emphasises improving training for healthcare professionals and researchers to enable faster MS diagnosis. They also focus on helping people understand the difficulties of living with MS by sharing stories and data about MS.
For instance, the barriers to fast MS diagnosis which is often due to lack of awareness of symptoms among healthcare professionals and the public and other challenges like the absence of specialty medical equipment, inefficient medical systems, and the financial burden that MS diagnosis puts on the NHS.
To learn more about World MS Day, click here.
Supporting those with MS
Although there is no cure for MS, the symptoms can be treated and the disease progression can be slowed. MS is a disease that can cause a great deal of pain and stress for those affected, but it can be managed. Support for those who have MS and the people that help them is extremely important.
If you or a loved one are seeking support concerning MS care or treatment, you can find information about Westminster’s branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society here.
