March 2-8 is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week, a week in which many events are held around the country in order to raise awareness of the disease.

 

Multiple Sclerosis, or MS is an autoimmune disorder – one in which the body, through its immune system, launches a defensive attack against its own tissue. In the case of MS, the nerve-insulating myelin comes under assault. The degeneration of myelin affects nerves by lessening their ability to conduct signals. These problems in nerve transmission cause complications in movement, sensation, cognition, vision and other functions.

 

MS is also known to cause muscle weakness, severe fatigue, loss of balance and coordination, and depression. The condition has no cure, as current drugs only ease symptoms. According to the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, an estimated 250,000 to 350,000 Americans are believed to have MS. Pediatric MS affects about 8,000-10,000 people under age 18 in the U.S., according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

 

This week, people are invited to learn more about MS through a series of events, including more than 600 Walks and more than 100 Bike Rides. In addition to MS Awareness Week, March is recognized as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month.

 

“Really kind of highlighting the diagnosis, the treatments, and the people getting out there in the community to create more awareness about this disease. We have a high prevalence in Onondaga and Oneida County. We need to get people educated,” said Annette Simiele, C.N.Y. Multiple Sclerosis Resources Associate Director.

 

For more information about MS you can visit MS Resources of Central New York at www.MSresources.org or The National Multiple Sclerosis Society Web site at www.nationalmssociety.org.