MS is a complicated disease that can affect many different systems in the body.

So what is MS? Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord).

How common is MS? Statistics indicate that there are currently 350,000 to 500,000 people in the U.S. who have been diagnosed with MS. Two hundred people are diagnosed with MS every week and over 2.5 million people are living with the disease worldwide.

Who is at risk for MS? MS does not discriminate by gender and can strike both men and women but is more common in women and appears more frequently in Caucasians than in Hispanics or African Americans. It is relatively rare among Asians and certain other ethnic groups. Although MS can develop in young children and teens as well as older adults, it is most commonly diagnosed in individuals between the ages of 20 and 50.

What are the symptoms of MS? There are common symptoms of MS, but not all people will share the same ones. Common symptoms of MS include fatigue, weakness, spasticity, balance problems, bladder and bowel problems, numbness, vision loss, tremors and depression. Many of these symptoms are shared with other diseases and disorders as well, so it’s best to be tested. Even if you are diagnosed with MS, there is no certain timeline for the progression of the disease. The disease can progress quickly or slowly and have times of remission. That’s why having the right medical care and the right medical equipment is so important.

Obstructive sleep apnea is more common in the MS population than in the general population. Medi-Rents and Sales carries CPAP and BiPAP units to help alleviate symptoms. We carry canes, clutches and walkers to assist with balance and strength issues, and manual and power wheelchairs for people with more mobility needs. See our online catalogfor a full list of our products.

Please visit the www.nationalmssociety.org for more information on the disease.