March is National MS Education and Awareness Month. I have no experience with MS, but I strive to highlight at least one health and/or social issue each month to raise awareness.
Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic neurological disorder affecting the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). More than 2.3 million people worldwide are diagnosed with MS. Most individuals are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50 with 2/3 being female. Common symptoms of MS include fatigue, weakness, spasticity, balance problems, bladder and bowel problems, numbness, vision loss, tremors and depression. The path and symptoms of MS varies greatly from one individual to another.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has some great general information and new diagnosed videos on MS. Towards the bottom of the page there are two MS 101 videos that I watched. Jack Burks, MD discusses who gets MS, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and research. They also have a What is Multiple Sclerosis downloadable brochure with basic information about MS.
The Multiple Sclerosis Foudation and National Multiple Sclerosis Society were the sources for the above information. Please visit their websites for further information.
