Multiple Sclerosis South Africa
Multiple Sclerosis affects more than 2.8 million people worldwide
- MS is an inflammatory demyelinating condition caused by damage to myelin – a fatty material that insulates nerves, acting much like the covering of an electric wire.
- Resulting in a wide range of symptoms like walking difficulties, vision problems, numbness, pain, dizziness & vertigo, spasticity, tremors, headaches, and many more.
- Many symptoms can be managed and treated.
- Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, although onset may be earlier.
- It is 2-3 times more common women than in men.
- It is not directly hereditary, although genetic susceptibility plays a part in its development.
- It is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system in young adults for which there is no cure at present.
- It is not contagious or infectious.
- MS affects more than 2.8 million people worldwide.
- It is more commonly found in countries further from the equator.
- Statistics for SA are believed to be between 3000 to 5000 pwMS (people with MS).
