According to World MS Day, every five minutes, someone is diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
MS is the most common neurological auto-immune disease, affecting more than 2.7 million people worldwide. It is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves.
It is a condition in which the body mistakes the brain’s myelin for a hostile foreign body. The immune system then attacks the myelin and destroys neural networks. The myelin is essentially the insulation of the brain that protects nerve signals traveling down neural pathways.
MS affects people differently: Some may have only mild symptoms, while others may lose their ability to see clearly, write, speak or walk when communication between the brain and other parts of the body becomes disrupted.
The unpredictability of symptoms has made MS a difficult disease to recognize, define and treat. Since the late 1300s, individuals with a progressive illness suggestive of MS have been observed. However, the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation of America says it wasn’t until 1868 that the famous neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot lectured on the features of MS and gave it a name.
According to John Hopkins Medicine, there are many possible causes of MS, including pre-existing autoimmune disorders, infectious agents such as viruses, environmental factors and genetic factors.
MS affects people from all walks of life. Some public figures who have been diagnosed use their platforms to raise awareness and advocate for those living with the condition. Among them are media personality Jack Osbourne, actress Selma Blair, R&B singer Tamia Hill, Emmy-nominated talk show host Montel Williams, country music singer Clay Walker and Former First Lady of Massachusetts Ann Romney.
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Their openness about their experiences has helped bring attention to MS and the importance of research, support and treatment for all those affected.
MS Awareness Month takes place every March and the goal of this campaign is to raise awareness about MS. Throughout March, several organizations, societies and advocacy groups host educational events and activities to raise awareness of this condition.
MS Awareness Month benefits people living with MS, their families and their communities. Anyone can show their support by participating in various events, such as fundraisers for MS research.
March is also an opportunity for family and friends of people with MS to learn more about the disease, especially because it affects everyone differently.
Other days throughout the year also focus on MS; for example, MS Awareness Week occurs annually from March 9–15, and World MS Day occurs on May 30 every year to offer opportunities to become involved with the MS awareness movement.
Learning more about MS can help anyone with the disease manage it better and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those afflicted.
Getting involved during MS Awareness Month, which is held every March, MS Awareness Week or World MS Day, can help raise awareness for this condition.
Koena Lizza, Staff Writer/Intern