Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic progressive neurological disease and affects the central nervous system (CNS). Presently, exact cause of MS is unknown, but it is known that something triggers the immune system to attack the CNS. This results in damage to myelin, which is the protective layer of tissue around the nerve fibers and disrupts signals to and from the brain. This interruption of communication signals can cause unpredictable symptoms such as numbness, tingling, mood changes, memory problems, pain, fatigue, blindness and/or paralysis. Today, 2.8 million people around the world have MS.
It is estimated that around 15.000 people are affected by MS in Switzerland. In 80% of those affected, first symptoms appear at the age of 20-40. With these numbers, MS presents the most common neurological disease diagnosed at this stage of life. In 3-10% of cases, MS may also develop in early childhood.
The theme for World MS Day 2023 is “connections”. The MS Connections campaign is all about building community connection, self-connection and connections to quality care. With this campaign, we hope to challenge social barriers and stigma around people affected by the MS and to build healthcare systems and communities that support and nurture people affected by MS.