Epidemiology

  • MS affects 2 – 2.5 million adults worldwide, with initiation mostly in the prime of their youth.1,2
  • In the US, MS prevalence is estimated to be about 400,000, with approximately 10,000 new cases every year (200 per week).3,4
  • Two to three times more women than men have been diagnosed with MS.2
  • MS occurs in most ethnic groups, including African-Americans, Asians and Hispanics. It occurs most frequently in Caucasians of northern European ancestry.2
  • Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, though an estimated 8,000–10,000 children under the age of 18 also live with MS.2
  • Compared with years ago, an increasing number of people are being diagnosed with MS. Whether this means the incidence of MS is increasing, there is increased awareness of MS, there are better diagnostic tools, or is simply because of population growth remains unknown.3
  • The possibility does exist that MS is increasing; this may or may not be linked to exposure to environmental factors, such as viruses or bacteria or toxins, changes in lifestyle, or other unknown factors.3
  • Genetic factors may make certain individuals more susceptible, but there is no evidence that MS is directly inherited.2

References

1. Damal K, Stoker E, Foley JF. Optimizing therapeutics in the management of patients with multiple sclerosis: a review

of drug efficacy, dosing, and mechanisms of action. Biologics. 2013;7:247-258.

2. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Multiple Sclerosis: Just the Facts. Available at:

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/NationalMSSociety/media/MSNationalFiles/Brochures/Brochure-Just-the-

Facts.pdf.

3. Multiplesclerosis.net. MS Statistics. Available at: http://multiplesclerosis.net/what-is-ms/statistics/.

4. Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. Learn About Multiple Sclerosis. Available at: http://www.msfocus.org/who-gets-

multiple-sclerosis.aspx.

Treatments

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Challenges in MS Management

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Diagnosis and Symptoms

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Additional Reading and Resources

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