Multiple Sclerosis or MS is an autoimmune disease that affects the nerves. This chronic disorder mostly affects women and young adults. Almost 1 million people in the country suffer from MS. Multiple sclerosis causes the body to start attacking itself. The immune system malfunctions, and instead of protecting the body, it begins to attack the myelin in the body. Myelin is a substance that protects the nerves, and when it is destroyed, the nerves malfunction.

Here are the top 10 facts about MS that few people know about.

1. MS is hard to diagnose
Diagnosing MS is extremely difficult. Doctors need to run several tests before they can diagnose the disease. Since MS shares its symptoms with many diseases, it becomes hard for doctors to identify the disorder.

2. MS is a chronic disorder
Chronic disease means that there is no cure for the disorder. People suffering from MS have to endure it for their entire lives. Some medications help control the symptom, but one cannot completely be free of the disease.

3. Vitamin D is vital
Studies show that a lack of vitamin D can increase the risk of MS. People suffering from the disease should increase their intake of vitamin D. It can either be taken as a supplement or via food.

4. MS is an invisible illness
Multiple sclerosis is often known as a silent disease. A person suffering from MS may not show obvious symptoms. Blurred vision, chronic pain, and sensory problems are not noticeable symptoms.

5. The symptoms may vary
People who are diagnosed with MS may suffer from varied symptoms. Some may lose bladder control, while others may lose mobility. Doctors cannot predict which nerve might be attacked by MS, so the symptoms keep changing.

6. Remission and relapse are common
Most diseases do not cause relapse and remission. Unfortunately, that is not the case with MS. Even though you can control the symptoms through medication, doctors can never say when a patient might relapse.

7. MS can affect cognition
Patients suffering from MS often have memory problems. It is hard for them to pay attention or solve basic problems. This often leads to depression and anger.

8. MS affects women more than men
According to NNIDS, MS affects women twice as much as it affects men. The symptoms start to show between the age of 20-40 years. Some women suffer from MS during their pregnancy.

9. Cause of MS is unknown
Even though people have been suffering from MS for years, the cause of the disease is still unknown. Scientists are trying to figure out the reason for MS but haven’t come to a concrete conclusion.

10. MS causes heat intolerance
Exposure to heat exacerbates the symptoms of MS. People who have disease must avoid heat at all times.

These are the top 10 facts about multiple sclerosis that are commonly unknown.