Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common neurological disorders in young adults.
It is a chronic disease of the brain and spinal cord, or the central nervous system. MS is thought to affect 2.3 million people worldwide, according to estimations compiled by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation.
The Atlas of MS Database can be accessed online here and it provides information on the amount of people living with MS globally and the treatments and resources available to them.
The majority of people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 25 and 31, although this varies with each individual case.
Statistics show that twice as many women as men are diagnosed with MS. It is not known what causes the disorder and there is no cure as of yet.
Symptoms of MS include unsteadiness, blurred vision, tingling sensations, unexplained fatigue, weak limbs, reduced mobility, and concentration problems.
It is important to note that not everyone diagnosed with MS has the same experience. Some people continue to have good health for years after they are diagnosed while others become weak early on.
World MS Day began in 2009 and it is the only global campaign raising awareness for MS.
This year, the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation have asked people to imagine a world without barriers. They have asked people to submit their wishes to be compiled in a ‘wish wall’.
The organisation hopes to attract attention to the issues of access: not only physical access to buildings as this can be difficult for those suffering from MS but also access to the same facilities and services that people without MS use on a daily basis.
According to MS Ireland, there are eight thousand people living with MS in this country. There are ten MS regional offices, details of which can be found here and there are 39 voluntary offices.
MS Ireland have conducted a huge amount of research into the neurological disorder and there are extensive surveys, publications and surveys available online.
A service driven organisation, MS Ireland strives to give people with MS independence and choice via their knowledge and various support networks.
