Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune neurological disease (now considered common) that affects the nerves. An autoimmune disease means your body’s defenses against a disease do not function, and the system attacks its own cells. In a person affected by MS, the immune system attacks the body’s myelin, the protective substance covering the nerves. This causes nerve damage and produces a wide variety of reactions. Here are some key facts about MS that should be remembered.

1. Multiple sclerosis is the most common neurological problem in young adults
MS is typically diagnosed in people between the age range of 20 and 50, though young children and older adults can be affected by it too.

2. Women are two/three times more likely to develop MS than men
Scientists have found that the protein S1PR2, which controls the permeability of the blood-brain barrier, is more common in those affected by MS. Women produce more of this protein when compared to men. This could be the reason attributed to more women being affected by the condition.

3. MS is more common in cold climates
One of the mysteries of MS is that the further you live from the equator, the likelier you are to develop the condition. For example, Scotland seems to be the highest affected with MS and for every 10 degrees away from the equator, the symptoms of those affected occur at least ten months earlier than those of a similar age group who are affected and live closer to the equator.

4. MS improves during pregnancies
When you are pregnant, the body naturally shuts down some of its immune responses, which thereby helps in improving the defenses against MS. If you are pregnant and have the condition, it does not mean you will be more likely than other women to have pregnancy-related complications.

5. MS can be difficult to diagnose
Symptoms and single tests may not be sufficient to diagnose MS, as its symptoms are similar to several other conditions, which makes pinpointing it harder. Multiple tests like blood tests, spinal fluid analysis, neurological exams, MRIs, OCTs and VEPs are required to rule out other problems and to zero in on multiple sclerosis as the problem.

6. MS symptoms vary from person to person
There are no typical symptoms of MS because each person experiences the disease differently. The symptoms arise in whichever part of your body the immune system attacks the nerves. One can have to deal with issues such as numbness, vision problems and slurred speech to problems with bladder control.

7. The cause of MS is unknown
Though the symptoms of the disease have been researched, the exact cause is still not known.

8. Low levels of vitamin D may increase the risk of MS
Vitamin D levels in MS patients have been observed to be lower than the levels in individuals not affected by the disease.

9. MS affects one mentally as well as physically
Cognitive changes due to the disease make it hard to think clearly and quickly.

10. Medicines and treatments for the condition are improving
A lot of research is being done to improve treatments for MS. The treatments today are much better than what they were ten years ago.