Conditions Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a lifelong condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms vary but can include fatigue, difficulty walking, balance and coordination problems, vision problems and numbness or tingling in parts of the body. The symptoms are treatable, but life expectancy is often lower for those diagnosed with MS.

MS is most commonly diagnosed in people in their 20s and 30s and is more prevalent among women than in men. People with relapsing-remitting MS experience episodes of symptoms and remission and usually go on to develop secondary progressive MS. People with primary progressive MS experience symptoms that steadily worsen and accumulate over time.

There is no known cure for MS, but there are treatments to help control the condition, including the use of steroids to speed up recovery after a relapse and medication to reduce the number of relapses. Therapies may also prove effective at slowing or reducing the overall worsening of the condition for those with secondary progressive MS.