When does MS start?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurologic condition caused by repeated inflammatory attack (or flares) on the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). Because the central nervous system controls most cognitive, motor, balance and sensory systems, these flares are expressed in many different ways- such as fatigue, imbalance, motor weakness, numbness, visual changes and cognitive impairment. A key differentiator of MS from other neurologic conditions is that most symptoms may last days to weeks, improve, and then return months or years later.
The most common age MS begins: 20 to 40
The diagnosis of MS occurs most often in people between the ages of 20 and 40. Because this is time when people are so busy creating their lives, having children, and building careers, diagnosis is often delayed because the earliest symptoms are not noticed or brushed off as unimportant-“just stress or lack of sleep”. Even when people do suspect there is something wrong, it takes on average up to 2 years to receive the diagnosis of MS. The difficulties are that MS symptoms come and go and the neurologic exam may have normalized by the time the person gets into her doctor. If symptoms disappear, it’s easy to assume the problem is gone, even when it may return later. Even more importantly, most people with neurologic conditions are treated, at least initially, by primary care doctors who may not be as familiar with the neurologic exam. Finally, there are a lot of “neurologic deserts” across the globe in which it is nearly impossible to get an appointment with a neurologist, even once the diagnosis of MS is suspected.
Can teenagers or children get MS?
Pediatric MS (with onset of MS before age 18) occurs in 3–10% of people with MS. It appears most often in teenagers than younger children and can affect school performance, sports and social development.
Diagnosing MS in children can be challenging because other neurological and inflammatory conditions can look similar. This is one reason specialist evaluation—often with a pediatric neurologist—is especially important when symptoms suggest a nervous system issue.
MS can also start later in life (after 40 or 50)
Late-onset MS also occurs, though much less commonly than typical adult MS, and refers to onset after age 50. Onset after 60 is rarer still.
Diagnosis in people over the age of 50 is harder than in younger people because the symptoms MS causes, like balance problems, numbness, weakness, or walking difficulty, may be attributed to other common conditions (such as arthritis, spinal disc disease, diabetes-related nerve problems, or even mini-strokes). That overlap can delay recognition.
Age influences the type of MS
MS is often labeled by how it behaves over time. Such labels are important because they may influence the choice of therapies. While every person’s experience is unique, age at onset can be linked with certain patterns, though be ware that these are not hardfast rules.:
- Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS): This is the most common form and often begins in the 20s or 30s. It involves episodes of new or worsening symptoms (relapses) followed by partial or full recovery (remission).
- Primary Progressive MS (PPMS): This form tends to begin later, often in the 40s. Symptoms generally worsen more steadily over time rather than coming in distinct relapses.
Gender affects when MS strikes
MS is more common in women than men, particularly RRMS. However, MS can occur in anyone, and the most typical age range (20–40) applies broadly to both sexes. Some studies suggest that men are diagnosed a bit later than women but that may reflect the known fact that men tend to postpone seeking medical care.
BeCare MS can help
BeCare MS can help by helping you to quantify your neurologic exam, detecting obvious abnormalities at any point in time and as trends over time. See how your scores compare to that of the general population and engage with our MS community to share stories and experiences and, most importantly, support and hope. Be empowered. Become a driver in your own healthcare. Be aware with BeCare.