Multiple sclerosis: Prevalence and impact.

This article provides new information about multiple sclerosis (MS) using the 2010/2011 Neurological Conditions Prevalence File, the 2011/2012 Survey of Neurological Conditions in Institutions in Canada, and the 2011 Survey on Living with Neurological Conditions in Canada. An estimated 93,500 Canadians living in private households and 3,800 residents of long-term care institutions had been diagnosed with MS. Prevalence estimates were 159 and 418 cases per 100,000 population for men and women, respectively; 2.6 women reported MS for every man with the condition. Among the household population, MS was generally diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 49 (82%). For the majority (68%), MS was their only neurological condition. The impact of MS included pain that prevented activities, impairments in mobility, cognition or sleep, and limitations in social functioning. Almost two-thirds (64%) stated that MS affected their lives at least moderately.