Why did I get MS?

Your blood has an army that attacks viruses, and stops you from getting sick (anti-bodies). These anti-bodies are not supposed to attack your body (immunity). In MS, your anti-bodies starts attacking your nerves.

How long will I have MS?

It will stay with you for life. You will experience decreased mobility at times of a flare up (attack). This may last 24 hours to 4 weeks.

• You may not have symptoms between attacks. (Relapsing, Remitting)
• You may continue to get weak (Primary Progressive) Your symptoms may get worse later in life (Second-ary Progressive)

What are my chances of getting MS?

You may be at a higher risk of getting MS if you

• Are a female
• Are Caucasian/White
• Are between 20-40 years old
• Have a relative with MS
• Live in British Isles, Germany, Scandinavia, North America or New Zealand (high-risk areas)
• Have lived in a high risk area in the first 13 years of life
• Have been exposed to Epstein-Barr virus or herpes virus

What medicines may my doctor suggest in MS?

He may give medicine to:

• Adjust your immunity. These medicines can make your attacks less severe and less frequent. Betaseron, Copaxone, No-vantrone, Tysabri and Gilenya have been approved to change immunity in MS
• Help recover from an attack quickly, as by using cortico-steroids.

How will my body change with MS?

You may have one or few of these symptoms. You may:

• Have double vision
• Feel fatigued
• Get pins and needles, numbness, or weakness in arms and legs
• May have less balance sitting, standing and walking
• Less control over your movements (ataxia)
• May not have clear speech (slurring)
• Not be able to hold urine (in-con-ti-nence)
• Experience muscle stiffness/spasticity