Understanding the Impact of Smoking on MS

Studies suggest that there is an association between smoking and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) progression:

1- Smokers have a higher chance of developing MS; a worse disease course; and a faster disease progression.

2- Smoking may decrease the effectiveness of MS treatment and increase the risk of disability in MS patients.

3- Studies also suggest that MS patients who smoke may progress to Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS) at a faster rate.

The good news is that quitting smoking will provide protective benefits in MS patients, such as protecting their long-term cognitive function and CNS integrity, and delaying the transition to secondary progressive MS (SPMS).