The model and presenter Carol Ribeiro, 43 years old, revealed her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis after months of ignored symptoms. Despite the persistent signs, she attributed her discomfort to stress or menopause. Nevertheless, the alerts from her body continued.
First Signs Ignored
It all began with episodes of mental confusion, difficulty walking, and extreme fatigue. At one critical point, Carol went 17 days without being able to sleep. Even so, she kept working, postponing her health care. Like many Brazilians, she believed that her intense rhythm was enough to justify the symptoms.
Diagnosis Came After Listening to Her Body
The turning point came when she decided to talk to her friend Ana Cláudia Michels, a doctor and former model. Ana recognized the seriousness of the symptoms and recommended a consultation with a neurologist. An MRI confirmed the diagnosis: multiple sclerosis. According to specialists, early diagnosis makes all the difference. The sooner a person starts treatment, the better their chances of controlling the disease’s progression.
Understanding Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis affects the central nervous system. The immune system attacks the myelin sheath of neurons, compromising motor, visual, and cognitive functions. Symptoms include intense fatigue, numbness, loss of balance, and speech changes. The disease affects about 40,000 Brazilians, with a higher incidence among young women. In men, it tends to be more aggressive.
Free and Accessible Treatment Through SUS
Currently, the SUS (Sistema Único de Saúde) offers medications that control outbreaks and slow the disease's advancement. With the right treatment, it is possible to maintain a good quality of life. That’s why Carol emphasizes: “Stop to listen to yourselves. The body always warns.”
Confession on National Television
In an interview on the show "Fantástico" on April 13, 2025, Carol Ribeiro opened up about her journey to understanding the symptoms that led to her multiple sclerosis diagnosis. She confessed that she ignored the signs before seeking medical help. “Many people told me they never started treatment out of fear. I want to say that it is possible to live well. But it is necessary to listen to the body. Stop to listen to the messages your body has,” she suggested during the Sunday broadcast on TV Globo.
Carol recounted that she experienced failures while walking, mental confusion when speaking, sudden hot flashes, and extreme fatigue that left her unable to sleep for 17 days. "It was the body warning, but I pushed it aside," explained the artist, who prioritized work over her health.
She even took supplements on her own. The first doctors she consulted suggested everything from iron deficiency to thyroid problems. It was only when she sought help from her friend Ana Cláudia Michels, who recognized the gravity of her symptoms, that she was advised to see a neurologist.
After undergoing an MRI, Carol received the definitive diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. "I cried a lot. The little I knew was what I had seen from some people coming forward about multiple sclerosis, and the scenario was not good at all," said Carol.
Visibility of the Disease
Like Carol, other Brazilian celebrities openly discuss their experiences with the disease, including actresses Cláudia Rodrigues, Guta Stresser, and Ana Beatriz Nogueira. Their openness has helped raise awareness about multiple sclerosis.
Dr. Rodrigo Thomaz, a neurologist at Hospital Albert Einstein, explained that multiple sclerosis is more common in women, with the first symptoms appearing around the ages of 20, 30, and 40. The diagnosis is made through MRI, blood tests, and lumbar puncture. Treatments are defined on a case-by-case basis, and there is medication available in almost all states in Brazil through the SUS.
According to Dr. Rodrigo, the current outlook is optimistic. “We can contain the progression. It is no longer a sentence,” he declared.
A Call for Awareness
Carol Ribeiro's decision to share her diagnosis has sparked a wave of support and awareness. After the interview aired, she received messages from people who identified with her story or sought more information about multiple sclerosis. "I didn’t imagine that talking about this could help so many people," she said, surprised by the response.
The model emphasized that her intention was not just to share her experience but also to encourage others to pay attention to their body's signals. During a fashion event in São Paulo, Carol reiterated the importance of seeking medical help when faced with persistent symptoms.
She mentioned that many people still have misconceptions or are unaware of multiple sclerosis, which can delay diagnoses and treatments. Her candid remarks resonated with the audience and opened up discussions about health and well-being in an environment often associated with aesthetics and superficiality.
Living with Multiple Sclerosis
Living with multiple sclerosis requires adjustments in daily life, but it doesn’t mean the end of a fulfilling life. For Carol, the diagnosis brought practical changes, such as the need to balance work, rest, and medical care. She explained that she learned to listen to her body more, respecting the limits imposed by the disease. “It’s one day at a time, but I’m still myself,” she affirmed, demonstrating resilience in the face of her new reality.
Patients with multiple sclerosis often face challenges due to the unpredictability of symptoms. One day may be marked by energy and enthusiasm, while another can bring fatigue or motor difficulties. To minimize these impacts, doctors recommend an integrated approach, combining medication with practices like adapted physical exercises, balanced nutrition, and psychological support.
Carol highlighted that, with the right treatment, it is possible to maintain quality of life and continue working on the projects she loves. Her story serves as a reminder that, with information and care, it is possible to confront the disease without letting it define who one is.
The Importance of Early Diagnosis
The intervention of Ana Cláudia Michels in Carol Ribeiro's case highlights the importance of early diagnosis. Often, the symptoms of multiple sclerosis are confused with other conditions, such as anxiety, chronic fatigue, or even orthopedic issues. This confusion can delay the start of treatment, allowing the disease to progress unchecked.
Neurologists point out that exams like MRI are essential to identify the characteristic lesions of multiple sclerosis. Additionally, analyzing cerebrospinal fluid can confirm the presence of specific markers of the disease. When diagnosed early, the condition can be managed more effectively, reducing the risk of severe outbreaks or permanent disabilities.
Carol and Ana Cláudia's story reinforces the need to value medical knowledge, even in informal contexts. Ana Cláudia's perception, which identified the seriousness of Carol's symptoms, shows how professional training can make a difference, even outside a doctor's office.
In sharing her journey, Carol Ribeiro not only sheds light on her experience but also inspires others to listen to their bodies and seek help when needed. Her story is a powerful reminder of the strength found in vulnerability and the importance of friendship and support in overcoming life's challenges.
