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Brain & Nervous SystemLiving with Chronic IllnessMultiple Sclerosis

8 things a neurologist wants you to know about multiple sclerosis

Bust the myths—and get the truth—about MS.

Jan 18, 2026
Home page>Neurology>Multiple Sclerosis>8 things a neurologist wants you to know about multiple sclerosis
Written byEmily Willingham, PhD
Medically reviewedbyMegan Burke, MDin October 2025
Slide 1
Genetics play a role in MS risk…
But one’s environment also contributes to risk
It isn’t only older people who develop MS
You won’t necessarily end up in a wheelchair
Getting pregnant is safe
Exercise Is advisable for MS
MS does not always progress quickly
MS can be treated effectively
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Slide 1

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex autoimmune condition that affects nearly 1 million people in the United States, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The disease may produce a range of symptoms, including fatigue, muscle weakness, and cognitive impairment, as well as difficulty with movement and vision. Because it can look so different from person to person, misconceptions about MS abound, from whether it’s curable to what the future holds for someone with the condition.

Ellen Lathi, MD, a neurologist in Wellesley, Massachusetts, helps clear up some of the most common misunderstandings about MS and explains what the outlook looks like for patients.

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