Multiple Sclerosis Definition, Symptoms & Treatment: Jamie-Lynn Sigler Reveals 15-Year MS Struggle; 5 Other Celebrities Battling the Disease

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Jamie-Lynn Sigler reveals in an interview that she has been struggling with multiple sclerosis for 15 years.

"The Sopranos" actress revealed to PEOPLE that she was diagnosed when she was just 20 years old.

The reason why she shared her diagnosis and struggle is for her 2-year old son, Beau with her newly wedded husband. Sigler just recently married pro baseball player Cutter Dykstra after an engagement of three years.

"I'm at a point in my life with my son, with my new marriage, it's a new me. I don't want to hold a secret where it feels like I have something to be ashamed of or have something to hide," she told the magazine. "I didn't want him to get to an age where he felt like he had to keep this secret for me as well," she adds. "I wanted to be an example to him of strength and courage."

She revealed that while she has MS, she was able to manage it with a "fighting attitude" as it can be debilitating without interventions. The disease reportedly makes her easily tired by doing simple activities such as walking, running and going up the stairs.

MS is a condition that affects the brain nerves and the spinal cord. It is unclear what causes the disease, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. However, researchers believe that is caused by numerous factors including environmental, immunologic, and genetics.

According to Mayo Clinic, MS is an autoimmune disease because it attacks the body's own tissues which in turn destroy its ability properly gives nerve signals to the parts of the body responsible for movement. Symptoms include limb numbness or weakness, tremor, prolonged double vision, fatigue, dizziness and bowel or bladder issues.

MS may also cause complications in the body including leg paralysis, mood swings, epilepsy, muscle spasms and depression. There is no available cure for MS. However, treatment for the disease usually involves drugs to help manage the symptoms and slow it down in its tracks. For people whose ability to move is affected, they may get physical therapy or muscle relaxants.

According to Healthline, there are about 400,000 people affected by MS so naturally, there are other stars like Sigler who are struggling against the disease.

According to Everyday Health, these 5 celebrities are struggling with MS:

1.) Jack Osbourne

He is the son of singer Ozzy Osbourne and he was diagnosed in 2012.

2.) Richard Pryor

The now-deceased comedian is an Emmy and Grammy award-winning actor. He was diagnosed in 1986.

3.) Richard Cohen

He is a three-time Emmy-winning journalist for CBS News. He was diagnosed in 1973.

4.) Teri Garr

She is a famous 1970-1980's comedienne and actress. She won the Ambassador of the Year Award from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for her activism.

5.) Clay Walker

He is a country singer and MS activist. He received his diagnosis in 1996.