Jack Osbournes' RRMS Diagnosis Hasn't Stopped Him From Taking On Major Challenges

Jack Osbourne, son of the late heavy metal legend, Ozzy Osbourne, and his wife, Sharon, first came to fame as a teenager when his family starred in their reality show, "The Osbournes." However, at the age of 26, he was diagnosed with a disease that would alter his life perhaps in a larger way even than his membership in the notoriously dysfunctional family. He was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Osbourne has related that he first knew something was wrong shortly after his daughter Pearl was born, when he lost 60% of his vision in one eye and began experiencing numbness in his legs (via The Tab).

However, despite the challenges of this incurable disease, Osbourne has persevered, taking on work that he often wasn't sure he could accomplish. In 2013, just a year after his diagnosis, the star made it through the final of "Strictly Come Dancing US." Additionally, he appeared on "Special Forces: World's Toughest Test" in 2023, and he is making a 2026 appearance in "I'm a Celebrity," according to The Tab.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society states that RRMS is the most common of the four forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). They further write that MS is a disease in which the communication between the brain and the rest of the body becomes disrupted. People with RRMS experience "attacks" or "exacerbations" that alternate with periods of remission. Symptoms of MS may disappear entirely during these times or only partially. They may also proceed to become permanent.

Johns Hopkins Medicine explains that the symptoms of RRMS may include vision problems, heat sensitivity, numbness, weakness, fatigue, problems with thinking, depression, urgent urination, and difficulties with balance and coordination.

It is not known exactly what causes RRMS, but it may be related to the Epstein-Barr virus, a genetic vulnerability, or cigarette smoking.

Diagnosing MS can be difficult, according to the Cleveland Clinic, because there isn't a single test that can be done. To make the determination, physicians must look at your medical history, a physical exam, and the results of various tests, such as an MRI, lumbar puncture, blood tests to rule out other conditions, and optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Because MS can't be cured, treatment is directed at reducing recovery time, cutting down the number of episodes, managing symptoms, and slowing the disease's progression. During attacks, corticosteroids and plasma exchange may help reduce inflammation. There are also a number of injectable, oral, and infusion medications that may help with relapse rate and slow the formation of new lesions. Finally, there are treatments that can help ease symptoms, including occupational therapy, muscle relaxants, and medications that aid fatigue, walking speed, depression, pain, sexual dysfunction, insomnia, and bladder and bowel control (per Mayo Clinic).

However, as of July 2024, it appears that Osbourne was not using any of these treatments. On an episode of "The Osbournes" podcast, he stated, "I have had some alternative therapy treatments over the years. I do not take traditional MS medication currently" (via People).