Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. It damages the myelin sheath, which further causes imbalance between immune system. According to studies, more than 400,000 people in US are suffering from MS but are not fully aware about it. There are several misconceptions about MS, here are some of the common myths that people still believe in.
Myth 1. MS is diagnosed in people at advanced age
People believe that MS occurs only in advanced age groups. But that’s not the case, it can even affect young children and youth. The disease can occur in any individual in 20s or above. It is best to start an early treatment, as it can help in relieving the symptoms without any complications.
Myth 2. Symptoms of MS are same in all age groups
The fact is that it’s not necessary that two people with MS will experience the same symptoms. Main symptoms of the MS are weakness, muscle spasm, fatigue, bladder dysfunction, vertigo, memory loss, hearing loss, balancing problems, dementia, vision changes, etc. The symptoms may vary from person to person. However, sometimes these signs can come or go, depending on your age and amount of physical activity you’re involved in.
Myth 3. Women with MS should avoid pregnancy
Multiple sclerosis is more common in women than men, and majorly found during childbearing years. So, it is believed that women should not go for pregnancy if they have multiple sclerosis. However, some experts say that MS is not going to have any adverse effect during pregnancy. There is no such negative impact of MS on both mother and new born baby.
Myth 4. MS will permanently disable your body
Although multiple sclerosis leads to disability in movements, that doesn’t mean it will cause permanent disability. This depends on the rate of progression of the disease and which body part it’s affecting the most. There are no assured facts that prove it to be a disease that causes permanent disability.
The effects may vary from person to person. Mostly elderly people find it difficult to walk or move their arms or legs. But people in 20s or 30s face major problems while walking or moving around. Hence, there are no such evidences that prove MS causes permanent disability.
Myth 5. MS is a genetic disease
MS is an autoimmune disease, but it is not necessarily a genetic disease. In some cases, people don’t get affected by MS even if someone in their family is suffering from the disease. It occurs due to neurological imbalances in the body, as well as other environmental and infectious agents also play vital role in triggering multiple sclerosis.
Myth 6. People with MS should avoid gym
Exercising is good for the health of every individual, even people who are suffering with MS. Following proper and right amount of exercises can improve condition of the patient. Especially, overweight patients should keep their body weight in control by exercising.
Myth 7. People with MS cannot lead a normal life
MS is very painful and annoying disease in which a person finds it difficult to walk or move freely. But that surely doesn’t mean he/she cannot lead a normal life. If the patient follows correct treatment measures with proper diet and exercising, then there will be no difficulty in leading normal life like other individuals.
Multiple sclerosis is not a deadly disease, and after knowing about some of the myths about MS you can stop worrying about your condition unnecessarily.