Jack Osbourne, the 26-year-old son of rocker Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, who hosts ‘America’s Got Talent’, has publicly revealed his diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS).
A condition that impacts the central nervous system and is characterized by inflammation affecting the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord, according to Dr. Fred Lublin, the director of the Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for MS at Mount Sinai.
PHOTO Courtesy | James Branaman
Jack Osbourne MS Diagnosis
Last spring, Jack Osbourne started noticing perplexing symptoms. While filming his television series “Haunted Highway,” which explores paranormal phenomena, in Utah, the 27-year-old TV personality (and son of rock icon Ozzy and media figure Sharon) participated in a scene that involved diving into a cold lake at night.
Emerging from the water, he experienced a headache resembling a migraine. The following day, he woke up with blurry vision.
As his eyesight deteriorated, Osbourne sought medical attention. His doctor referred him to a neurologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
After thorough examinations, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and lumbar puncture (spinal tap), Osbourne received a diagnosis of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS)—the most common form of this degenerative neurological condition.
The news stunned Osbourne, who gained fame through the reality show “The Osbournes,” which aired on MTV from 2002 to 2005, showcasing his family’s daily life. Last year, he got engaged to his longtime girlfriend, Lisa Stelly, and was looking forward to a joyful period.
Just two weeks before his diagnosis, they welcomed their daughter, Pearl, and were busy planning their wedding. Suddenly, Osbourne was confronted with an uncertain future.
“When I got the diagnosis, I immediately thought of comedian Richard Pryor, who also had MS,” Osbourne recalls. “I imagined myself in a wheelchair a few years down the line, thinking that would be it—game over.”
Neurologist Barbara Giesser, M.D., Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) and professor of clinical neurology and clinical director of the Multiple Sclerosis Program at the University of California, Los Angeles, notes that it’s typical for MS patients to initially fear the worst.
Jack Osbourne Message About Working Rights
While openly embracing life with MS, Jack Osbourne contrasts with those who conceal their condition due to career concerns. In August, controversy engulfed Osbourne and his mother, Sharon, amid reports of Osbourne’s dismissal from the NBC reality series “Stars Earn Stripes.”
Despite the network’s denial, alleging Osbourne was merely under consideration, the incident highlighted workplace discrimination stigma. The National MS Society’s “Should I Tell?” resource urges careful consideration of disclosing MS.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits workplace discrimination against disabled individuals in larger firms.
If you suspect MS-related workplace discrimination, filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is an option.
Jack Osbourne Embracing Healthy Lifestyle
In 2005, Osbourne transformed his lifestyle by losing 70 pounds, seeking treatment for substance abuse, and adopting a healthier diet and exercise routine. Currently, he maintains this lifestyle, taking multivitamins and vitamin D supplements.
Research suggests a link between low vitamin D levels and MS risk, though it’s inconclusive. Osbourne recently joined his parents in a weight-loss journey. A healthy diet and exercise benefit MS patients, alleviating symptoms and promoting well-being.
Osbourne exercises regularly and advises consulting neurologists before making dietary or supplement changes. Stress management is crucial, as stress worsens MS symptoms.
Despite being busy with TV projects like “Haunted Highway” and “Alpha Dogs,” Osbourne prioritizes raising MS awareness. He believes in sharing his MS journey to contribute to global awareness efforts.
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