The Multiple Sclerosis Society MS function
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurological condition which affects about 2.5 million people around the world and 5 000 people in South Africa. MS, is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system.
The CNS is attacked by the person's own immune system causing severe damage in the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. In severe cases, the patient becomes paralysed or blind. Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20-40, but it can affect younger and older people too. Medical science has no conclusive answer as to what causes the condition.
MS is complex, and has many debilitating symptoms. MS is also labelled as a "silent disease" or "invisible disability". Many people with MS look no different from a healthy person because many of the symptoms, such as blurred vision, sensory problems, and chronic pain, are not visible. People need to get to understand these so that they can be supportive and encouraging. Educating the patient and our community on this dreaded and complex condition is a priority of the MS society.
Some of the topics being discussed at the function include, the Human Cannabinoid system; the silent MS symptoms; MS through culture and race; how to handle depression, anxiety and mood swings and how to deal with people who think there is nothing wrong with you when you only have the silent symptoms.
Time: 15:00 - 17:00
Venue: Victoria Country Club, Pietermaritzburg
Cost: Free
More info:
Multiple Sclerosis SA
KwaZulu-Natal Branch
19 St Hellier Park
24 Forbes Drive
Gillitts
3603
Tel: 031 -2055848
Cell: 083 411 42 82