What Age Range Is Multiple Sclerosis Usually Diagnosed?

We tend to associate most chronic diseases (think: diabetes, types of heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis) with middle age or even later in life, but the neurological condition multiple sclerosis follows a different pattern. In fact, the average age range of diagnosis with MS is between 20 and 40.

While a diagnosis of MS in your 20-somethings can be shocking and upsetting, you have good reason to remain optimistic. Thanks to advancement in treatment for MS, your life may not alter much compared to before your diagnosis. Learn more about how new medication and therapy have changed the outlook for MS patients.

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Written by:

Lauren Smith, MA

Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.

Reviewed by:

Mandy Armitage, MD

Mandy Armitage, MD, has combined clinical medicine with her passion for education and content development for many years. She served as medical director for the health technology companies HealthLoop (now Get Well) and Doximity.

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