7 Myths About Multiple Sclerosis

Doctor William C Lloyd Healthgrades Medical Reviewer
Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
  • man and woman sitting on steps
    MS Myth or Fact?
    Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common neurological disease leading to disability in young adults. Chances are, you’ve at least heard of MS, and perhaps you’re even living with the disease yourself. Yet, despite its familiarity, MS is widely misunderstood. Have you fallen for any of these common myths?
  • woman with child getty 621245224
    Myth 1: MS is the Same for Everyone
    MS affects each person differently. Most people with the disease have short flare-ups with long periods of relief in between. Others have steadily worsening symptoms that cause increasing disability over time. And still others have a mild version of MS with little or no disability.
  • woman getting a neck massage
    Myth 2: Nothing Can Be Done for MS
    While MS can’t be cured yet, it can be treated. Disease-modifying drugs (injections: Avonex, Betaseron, Copaxone, Extavia, Rebif; oral: Aubagio, Gilenya, Tecfidera) may reduce flare-ups and delay the worsening of the disease. These medications are designed to prevent further nerve damage and preserve nerve function. Various other treatments—such as medications, physical therapy, massage, heat, and relaxation training—may ease specific symptoms.
  • woman with head pain
    Myth 3: Disease-Modifying Drugs Make You Feel Better
    Inside your body, MS attacks the protective sheath around nerve fibers. Disease-modifying drugs work behind the scenes to reduce this disease activity. In the long run, that may slow down the progression of your disease. But it won’t relieve symptoms you already have. You need other treatments for that, such as additional medications, lifestyle changes, and stress management.
  • woman smiling at a positive pregnancy test
    Myth 4: Women with MS Can’t Have Kids
    Women are twice as likely as men to have MS, and the disease typically starts during the childbearing years. Generally, pregnancy doesn’t seem to make MS worse in the long run. Likewise, MS doesn’t increase the risk for infertility, miscarriage, birth defects, or problems with labor and delivery.
  • Working-on-a-laptop
    Myth 5: MS Means You Have to Quit Working
    One-quarter of people with MS are still working 20 years after diagnosis. So don’t make a snap decision to quit your job. First, carefully consider your personal wishes and legal rights. You may be feeling much better in a just a few weeks/months. If you want to keep working, look into job accommodations that could help you stay productive and comfortable at work.
  • man undergoing dental exam
    Myth 6: Removing Dental Fillings Helps MS
    You may have heard that dental fillings containing mercury cause MS, and removing them helps treat the disease. There’s no scientific evidence to support this claim, however. While it’s true that mercury poisoning can harm your nervous system, that type of nerve damage is different from what’s seen in MS.
  • Man with walker
    Myth 7: Mobility Aids Are Only for Those Who Can’t Walk
    Some people think of using a cane, walker, scooter, or wheelchair as a last resort for those who can’t get around any other way. In reality, many MS sufferers with milder walking problems use a mobility aid when necessary. For instance, they might use it when they’re tired, or if they want to keep pace with others. Timely use of mobility aids can also prevent accidental injury.
7 Myths About Multiple Sclerosis
  1. Adherence. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Treating-MS/Medications/Adherence
  2. Should I Work? Information for Employees Living with MS. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/NationalMSSociety/media/MSNationalFiles/Brochures/Brochure-Should-I...
  3. Pregnancy and Reproductive Issues. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Living-Well-With-MS/Family-and-Relationships/Pregnancy
  4. Clear Thinking About Alternative Therapies. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/NationalMSSociety/media/MSNationalFiles/Brochures/Brochure-Clear-Th...
  5. Multiple Sclerosis: Hope Through Research. National Institutes of Health. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/multiple_sclerosis/detail_multiple_sclerosis.htm
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Last Review Date: 2021 Jul 16
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.