How MS Affects the Black Community

Este contenido no está disponible en español en este momento. Nos dedicamos a traducir más contenido de nuestro sitio web. Si usa un complemento de explorador para traducir el contenido en inglés al español, por favor, tome en cuenta que la traducción quizá no sea exacta.

Multiple Sclerosis in the Black Community

relapses with poorer recovery

Earlier disability onset

Scientists don’t know the reasons for these differences yet. Disparities in healthcare — diagnosis, treatment and access — could be partly to blame." c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host="">

Experts used to believe that multiple sclerosis mostly affected white people, particularly those of European descent. However, research indicates that more Black people live with MS than previously thought.Research also shows that MS may affect Black people differently than it does white people. If you are a member of this community, you may face more aggressive progression and greater disability. Specifically, you may have:

More balance coordination and walking problems
More cognitive and visual symptoms
More frequent relapses with poorer recovery
Earlier disability onset

Scientists don’t know the reasons for these differences yet. Disparities in healthcare — diagnosis, treatment and access — could be partly to blame.

relapses with poorer recovery

Earlier disability onset

More balance coordination and walking problems
More cognitive and visual symptoms
More frequent relapses with poorer recovery
Earlier disability onset

Scientists don’t know the reasons for these differences yet. Disparities in healthcare — diagnosis, treatment and access — could be partly to blame.

Make a Difference Through Research

Black people are underrepresented in research studies, making it difficult to tell which treatments are best or how to reduce the risk of MS.

Race and MS: Confronting Inequities

Researchers are uncovering gaps in MS research, diagnosis and treatment.

Obstacles to Access

Black people with MS are advocating for increased access to healthcare and greater participation in research.

How To Live Well With MS

Black MS Experience Summit

Connect with others to find support and hear from leading MS experts.

Study Provides Insight Into MS Prevalence

study funded by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society analyzed information from health insurance claims and revealed that anyone can develop MS.After evaluating 3 years’ worth of claims by 96 million Americans, researchers found that for every 100,000 people in the general population, 298.4 of them are Black (but not Hispanic/Latinx) people living with MS. This translates to about 3 people out of 1,000." c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host="">

A study funded by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society analyzed information from health insurance claims and revealed that anyone can develop MS.After evaluating 3 years’ worth of claims by 96 million Americans, researchers found that for every 100,000 people in the general population, 298.4 of them are Black (but not Hispanic/Latinx) people living with MS. This translates to about 3 people out of 1,000.

How MS Affects the Black Community

Multiple Sclerosis in the Black Community

How To Live Well With MS

Study Provides Insight Into MS Prevalence

Get Involved in MS Research

Additional Resources