Some data and statistics about multiple sclerosis:
· First described in 1868 by Jean-Martin Charcot.
· Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision.
· The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary from one person to another.
· MS is the most common progressive and disabling neurological condition in young adults.
· Approximately 2.5 milling people worldwide have MS.
· Approximately 400,000 people in the United States have MS.
· There are approximately 200 new cases diagnosed each week.
· The average age of onset is 30-33 years, but can occur in the early 20’s to late 50’s.
· Because of the varied symptoms of MS, the average time between clinical onset and diagnosis is 4-5 years.
· MS affects women much more frequently than men: approximately 1.7-2 to 1 in the US.
· Multiple Sclerosis is five times more prevalent in temperate climates than in tropical climates.
· The risk of contracting Multiple Sclerosis if a first-degree relative (father, mother, sibling) has the disease, is approx 1% – 3% overall.
· The risk of contracting Multiple Sclerosis if your mother has the disease is approx. 1 in 50.
· The risk of contracting Multiple Sclerosis if your father has the disease is approx. 1 in 100.
· The risk among the general population of contracting Multiple Sclerosis is approx. 1 in 800.
If you would like to share your stories/experiences with MS, please e-mail me at xjiard@gmail.com.