· Multiple sclerosis interrupts the flow of information from the brain to the body and stops people from moving.
· Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are moving us closer to a world free of MS.
· Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with more than twice as many women as men contracting the disease.
· MS affects more than 400,000 people in the U.S., and 2.5 million worldwide. This includes an estimated 20,000 Texans.
About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
· The National MS Society is a collective of passionate individuals who want to do something about MS NOW — to move together toward a world free of multiple sclerosis. We mobilize people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS.
· The National MS Society: Lone Star serves an estimated 20,000 individuals and their families affected by multiple sclerosis in 174 Texas counties. The Society has offices in Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio. Join the movement at www.JointheMovementLoneStar.org.
Early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can make a difference for people with multiple sclerosis. Learn about your options by talking to your health care professional and contacting the National MS Society at www.nationalMSsociety.org or 1-800-344-4867.