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5 MS MYTHS AND REALITIES MYTH MS is a fatal disease. REALITY Most people with MS will have a normal or near-normal life expectancy. They are more likely to die from other causes such as heart disease stroke or cancer than from MS. Death caused directly by MS is highly unusual. However there are variants of MS that can be very aggressive and potentially shorten life. These are not the norm. MS tends to affect quality of life not quantity of life. MYTH There are treatments available that stop MS. REALITY There are a variety of treatments available to slow the progress of MS but as yet there are no treatments that stop MS or reverse the damage it has caused within the central nervous system. MYTH A person diagnosed with MS will require a wheelchair. REALITY While those with progressive MS may require mobility aids sooner studies indicate that 90 percent of patients with minimal disability five years after onset were still ambulatory at 15 years. It is estimated that at 20 years after diagnosis only about one-third of people who receive no treatment may require a wheelchair or other assistive device. With todays treatments to slow the progression of MS an increasing number of individuals remain ambulatory until an advanced age. MYTH You can tell if someone has MS by looking at them. REALITY While some individuals are visibly affected by MS particularly by mobility impairments associated with the disease the majority of symptoms are invisible. Because of this people with MS are often stigmatized by those who do not understand the nature of the condition. Common Symptoms Can Be Life-Altering Fatigue Up to 80 percent of those with MS report fatigue that interferes with their ability to carry out everyday activities. Pain May be caused by sensory problems feeling pins and needles burning or itching muscle spasms or other causes. It is often chronic and difficult to treat. Trouble walking More than half of those with MS will experience changes in walking because of symptoms such as tremor loss of balance or weakness. Other symptoms such as foot drop vertigo and spasticity can also affect walking. Changes in thinking Cognitive changes are one of the most common causes of individuals with MS leaving the workforce. Difficulties with attention concentration short-term memory and information processing are common.