World MS Day: Expert explains why Ireland has such high rates of Multiple Sclerosis

Dr Conor Kerley–who has the disease himself– says there are several theories as to why the small island has such a disproportionate amount of people who struggle with the autoimmune condition

MRI scans can help determine what's going on with the brain
Experts are still unsure as to why so many people in Ireland have the condition (Image: (Getty Images) )

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, often unpredictable condition that affects the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective coating around nerves, leading to problems with movement, vision, balance, and cognition. The symptoms can vary widely—from fatigue and numbness to paralysis and vision loss.

Globally, MS affects around 2.8 million people. But in Ireland, the rates are unusually high: more than 10,000 people are currently living with MS, giving the small country one of…

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