Uncommon Facts About Multiple Sclerosis
First Diagnosed in 1849
The earliest known case of MS dates back to 14th century Holland.
Multiple Sclerosis is the most common progressive and disabling neurological condition in young adults
Approx. 2.5 million people worldwide, have Multiple Sclerosis
Around 400,000 people in the United States have Multiple Sclerosis
Scotland has the highest incidence of Multiple Sclerosis per head of population in the world
Multiple Sclerosis affects women much more frequently than men. Approx. 1.7 – 2:1 in the US and approx. 3:2 in the UK
The ratio of white to non-white is approx. 2:1
Gypsies and Inuit's do get Multiple Sclerosis although the incidence rate is much lower than other populations at approx. 19 per 100,000
Native Indians of North and South America, the Japanese and other Asian peoples have a very low incidence rate of Multiple Sclerosis
In identical twins where one twin develops the disease, the likelihood of the second twin developing Multiple Sclerosis is approx. 30%
The incidence rate for non-identical twins, where one contracts Multiple Sclerosis, is approx. 4%
Among young adults, MS is the most common disease of the central nervous system.
Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of MS
Sclerosis is a Greek word meaning hardening of tissue or scars.
