Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 104 THE EFFECTS OF MS MS affects each person differently, but there are certain typical courses it may follow. Some may have periods of relapse followed by full or partial remission (called relapsing or RMS), where others may have rapid progression of disability from onset (called primary progressive or PPMS). Further complicating matters, those diagnosed with RMS may later see their disease course transition to a progressive one, experiencing fewer relapses, but increasing progression of disability. QUICK FACTS: COMMON FIRST SIGNS Because MS can affect any part of the body, there are no specific symptoms associated with onset. However, some symptoms are more common than others as the first signs of MS. These are: • Blurred, suddenly decreased, or double vision • Numbness • Tingling • Loss of balance or coordination • Weakness in an arm or leg • Heat sensitivity (which may trigger the above) If you, or someone you know, experiences these symptoms, it is important to discuss them with your healthcare provider. Whatever course of MS a person may be diagnosed with, whatever symptoms of the disease they face, the effects of MS on their life may be far-reaching. An MS diagnosis also has emotional, financial, and social ramifications. It may affect a person’s ability to pursue a career, interfere with education, put strain on relationships, and even damage a person’s self-esteem. Support is vital for those with MS to maintain the best possible quality of life. What is my risk for MS? The risk among the general population for MS is low, estimated at 0.1 percent. If you have a parent or sibling who has been diagnosed with MS, your risk is elevated to 2.5 percent. A person who has an identical twin diagnosed with MS has a 25 percent risk of developing it. Many with MS worry about the elevated risk for their children. MS Focus Senior Medical Advisor Ben Thrower, M.D. said, “While your child may have a 2.5 percent risk of developing MS, remember that means there is a 97.5 percent chance they will not.”