World Multiple Sclerosis Day is observed globally on May 30 every year as a reminder to raise awareness and educate the general populace about the various causes and symptoms of this rare condition. It aims to build a support group of Multiple Sclerosis patients to share their stories and stay positive even as they combat this chronic autoimmune disease.
The theme for the year 2023 is a 3-year-long initiative that promotes ‘‘I Connect, We Connect’’ (#MSConnections) and is all about focusing on building community connection, self-connection, and connections to quality care. The initiative challenges social barriers that leave people with MS lonely and socially isolated. Together as one nation, on this day, healthcare organizations campaign for better services, celebrate support networks and uphold self-care. 
Also Read: World Multiple Sclerosis Day: 5 Therapeutic Yoga Poses To Help People With MS
What Is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis, abbreviated as MS, is a neurological autoimmune disease that primarily affects the brain, optic nerves, and the spinal cord, causing many discomforting symptoms. Although the indications of MS vary from one person to another, some of the characteristic ones include problems with balance, vision, speech, and muscle control, causing numbness or weakness in one or more limbs, electric shock-like sensations in the neck, problems with speech or slurred speech, tremor, lack of coordination or unsteady gait, double vision, blurred vision or total loss of vision, fatigue, dizziness, and tingling sensation or pain in some parts of your body.
With so many different symptoms and no diagnostic test to help detect this neural condition, it’s easy to see why MS is often misdiagnosed. The science behind the cause of multiple sclerosis (MS) is everchanging. Hence people with this condition, their near and dear ones, can’t be blamed for not knowing the latest news.
While neurologists and specially trained doctors can very well recognize the characteristic manifestations, Multiple Sclerosis is usually the last thing that crops in a patient's mind when they experience any of the symptoms mentioned above. There are several myths and misunderstandings surrounding the disease that are circulating on the internet. But withholding outdated myths and notions about the condition might mean unnecessarily restricting your routine activities or missing out on the latest treatments.
In this 2-minute read, we bring you some of the most common misconceptions that are making rounds on the internet regarding Multiple Sclerosis.
Unmask The 5 Common Myths About Multiple Sclerosis
Myth #1:
If the symptoms are not crucial, you don't need medical intervention.
Fact:
Imprecise. Even if you have minor symptoms, it is safe to get treated right away to manage the condition in the initial stage. With evolving medical practices, certain disease-modifying medications can diminish the number of attacks you get and make them less severe. The medicines, if taken in the initial stage, may also slow down the progression of the disease, giving you a better hold on managing MS in the long run.
Myth #2:
People afflicted with MS usually wind up in wheelchairs.
Fact:
Erroneous. Although three out of four people suffering from MS might require help with a crutch or cane, they never have disability problems that put them in bed or restrict them to a wheelchair permanently.
Myth #3:
MS is usually detected in older people.
Fact:
Incorrect. Multiple sclerosis can affect people of any age, from young children to older adults, but it is commonly diagnosed in younger people aged 20 to 50. It is also more common in the female population than in males.
Myth #4:
People suffering from MS cannot perform any exercise.
Fact:
False. The truth is, it is highly significant to remain active if you are detected with MS. Activity of any form, like yoga, meditation, or moderate therapeutic exercises, can help manage the symptoms, promote strength, improve balance and poise, relieve stress from the mind, mitigate body fatigue and also diminish the chances of other health problems. But do consult your treating doctor before you exercise or how much you can exercise daily, as pushing too hard can trigger fatigue, and getting overheated can often worsen your symptoms.
Myth #5:
Getting detected with MS means a death sentence.
Fact:
Untrue! MS might be a lifelong condition, but it is not lethal. And studies show that people suffering from MS often live for a long time. While chronic complications of an advanced stage of MS can be life-threatening, with the latest medical advancements, disease-modifying medications, and a healthy lifestyle, one can manage the associated symptoms and live a long, healthy life.
