MS stands for multiple sclerosis, a disease of the central nervous system affecting more young adult Australians than any other neurological condition.
Who gets MS?
People are typically diagnosed in their twenties and thirties, with the average age of diagnosis being only 30. Interestingly three times more women are affected by MS than men and it is more common in cooler climates.
In Australia, over 23,000 people currently have MS, however this figure is increasing as diagnosis methods become more advanced.
What are the typical symptoms of MS?
Symptoms of MS are unpredictable and change from person to person, and from time to time in the same person. Some of the symptoms of MS may include:
- tiredness
- blurry vision
- loss of balance and muscle coordination
- slurred speech
- difficulty walking
- short-term memory loss
- tingling and numbness or in severe cases tremors and paralysis
Can MS be cured?
MS is a lifelong disease for which a cure is yet to be found. However, doctors and scientists are making discoveries in treating and understanding MS everyday and research to find a cure is very encouraging.
While supporting this search for a cure, MS Queensland also provides information and advice on the treatments available, which means people with MS can better manage their symptoms.
