Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition of the central nervous system that obstructs nerve impulses in the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves.

• MS is more common in women – they are roughly 3 times more likely to have MS than men.
• Most people who are diagnosed with MS are between the ages of 20 and 40 years.
• The Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) is used by Neurologists to monitor changes in the level of someone’s disability over time. The EDSS has a range from 0 to 10. Scores are in half-unit steps — 3, 3.5, 4 and so on. The greater the level of disability, the higher the score out of ten.

What's the risk?

The lifetime risk of MS is low, with those in the general population having a 1 in 333 chance of being diagnosed with the condition.

However, the risk is higher for individuals who have an immediate family member with MS.

• Identical twins – 1 in 5
• Non-identical twins – 1 in 22
• Older brother or sisters – 1 in 37
• Parent – 1 in 66
• Child – 1 in 48

Loss of employment is a concern for those with MS as many will reduce their hours or retire from work as symptoms worsen, leading to a decrease in annual income and an increase in out-of-pocket expenses to manage the condition.

As is the case with many chronic neurological conditions, carers of people with MS are also affected due to the provision of informal care which can often result in their own inability to work full-time or work at all.