From Beasts to Faulty Wiring: Metaphorical Images of Multiple Sclerosis as described by women

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease affecting the brain and the spinal cord, in which the immune system attacks the myelin that protects nerve fibres, thus causing permanent damage resulting in various types of disabilities. As a (to date) incurable disease, the experience of the patient becomes central in coping with the many symptoms, especially in the way it is communicated, not only to treating physicians, but also to society at large. Over the last years MS, which a century ago seemed to affect women and men alike, has shown an increasing prevalence in the female to male ratio, both in small cohorts (Kotzamani et al., 2012; Krökki et al. 2011), and worldwide (Sellner et al., 2011). In view of this tendency, the study of MS has begun to include a gender approach, focusing on the potential explanatory factors, but also on the specific circumstances affecting women (Jobin et al., 2010). In our paper, drawing from a sample extracted from online testimonials, an analysis will be carried out of the various metaphorical imagery used by women to explain their symptoms to doctors, relatives, and society at large. Following the traditional classification by Lakoff and Johnson (1980: 14), we shall explore the framings used, which may lead to positive or negative experiences of the disease and may have an empowering potential when patients «fight» MS in the general framework of managing the condition.