Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month was launched in March 2003. The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation and its affiliates strive to raise public awareness of multiple sclerosis, particularly during this month, according to Teresa Henson, Extension specialist-nutrition outreach coordinator at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
“The purpose of attention is to understand this disease’s scope and to assist those with MS in making educated decisions about their healthcare,” she said in a news release.
Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable disease that affects the body’s central nervous system. Common symptoms include fatigue, walking difficulties, numbness or tingling, spasticity, weakness, vision problems, dizziness and vertigo, bladder problems, sexual problems, bowel problems, pain and itching, cognitive changes, emotional changes and depression.
“Flare-ups can last days to months at a time,” Henson said. “MS is labeled as an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks normal tissues.”
Multiple sclerosis is diagnosed in individuals of all ages, but the neurological condition is common among young adults, she said. Individuals living with multiple sclerosis today have treatments and health care strategies to help them live enjoyable and productive lives.
To learn more about multiple sclerosis, people may visit these websites: National Multiple Sclerosis Society at www.nationalmssociety.org or Multiple Sclerosis Association of America at www.mymsaa.org.