March 2022 PSA: Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month

March is Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system, resulting in damage to both nerve fibers and the fatty substance that coats and insulates them (myelin).  It affects nearly 1 million Americans and 2.5 million people worldwide. Its causes are unknown.

Symptoms of MS can vary greatly. However, some of the most common ones are:

fatigue, dizziness/vertigo, impaired coordination, tremors, muscle stiffness or spasms, bladder problems, numbness or tingling, and vision problems.  A diagnosis of MS is based on the history of symptoms and a neurological examination.

Treatments include therapies such as steroids to shorten the duration and severity of symptom exacerbations, and disease-modifying therapies DMTs which are used as long-term treatments to slow the progression of the disease.  In addition, there are medications that can be taken to alleviate some of the symptoms of MS, such as muscle weakness and fatigue. Physical therapy can also help with symptom management.

For more information go to

National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Mayo Clinic

Johns Hopkins Multiple Sclerosis Center