Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex, chronic, autoimmune and neurological disease that primarily affects the central nervous system, causing a wide variety of symptoms and health problems.
Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) estimate that more than 1.8 million people worldwide live with MS.
According to various studies, the prevalence of MS in India ranges from 7 to 30 per 100,000 people.
“MS can affect anyone at any age, however, it is most often diagnosed in individuals between the ages of 20 and 40. Women are disproportionately affected as they are two to three times more likely to have the condition than men,” Dr Himanshu Champaneri, senior consultant, department of neurosciences and neurosurgery, Marengo Asia Hospital, Gurugram, told IANS.Common symptoms include numbness or sensory loss, paresthesia in the limbs or face, vision loss, weakness in one or more limbs, double vision, imbalance while walking, and bladder problems such as urinary retention or difficulty urinating.
Additionally, some patients experience a tingling sensation along the spine with neck movement.
These symptoms usually develop over a few days to weeks, which distinguishes them from stroke symptoms, which begin rapidly within seconds to minutes.
Dr Neeraj Balaini, Consultant - Neurology, Aster RV Hospital, told IANS that the exact cause of MS is not completely understood.
"Risk factors for MS include genetic predisposition, certain viral infections (such as Epstein-Barr virus and human herpes virus-6), smoking and vitamin D deficiency," he said.,
The doctor further explained that in MS, there is loss of myelin.
This demyelination disrupts electrical signals in the nerves, causing various symptoms of MS.
“Severe myelin damage can also result in loss of nerve fibers,” said Dr Neeraj.
“MS is treatable but not curable. Without treatment, patients may become disabled by repeated attacks or enter a progressive phase where disability increases slowly without new attacks."Clinical depression is more common in people with MS, due to both the psychological impact of the disease and the potential neuroendocrine changes caused by MS," he said.
Along with medications, experts emphasize a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle to manage MS.
Eating a healthy and nutritious diet, controlling weight, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, maintaining a balanced diet, ensuring good sleep hygiene, and managing high blood pressure and diabetes can help preserve healthy neurons and support overall health. Can do.
Physical exercise is also important for managing MS and improving quality of life.
Additionally, "Taking preventive measures to avoid infection may be helpful as some viral infections are known to trigger MS and genetic counseling may be helpful for people who have a family history of the disease," Dr. Himanshu said.
Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) estimate that more than 1.8 million people worldwide live with MS.
According to various studies, the prevalence of MS in India ranges from 7 to 30 per 100,000 people.
“MS can affect anyone at any age, however, it is most often diagnosed in individuals between the ages of 20 and 40. Women are disproportionately affected as they are two to three times more likely to have the condition than men,” Dr Himanshu Champaneri, senior consultant, department of neurosciences and neurosurgery, Marengo Asia Hospital, Gurugram, told IANS.Common symptoms include numbness or sensory loss, paresthesia in the limbs or face, vision loss, weakness in one or more limbs, double vision, imbalance while walking, and bladder problems such as urinary retention or difficulty urinating.
Additionally, some patients experience a tingling sensation along the spine with neck movement.
These symptoms usually develop over a few days to weeks, which distinguishes them from stroke symptoms, which begin rapidly within seconds to minutes.
Dr Neeraj Balaini, Consultant - Neurology, Aster RV Hospital, told IANS that the exact cause of MS is not completely understood.
"Risk factors for MS include genetic predisposition, certain viral infections (such as Epstein-Barr virus and human herpes virus-6), smoking and vitamin D deficiency," he said.,
The doctor further explained that in MS, there is loss of myelin.
This demyelination disrupts electrical signals in the nerves, causing various symptoms of MS.
“Severe myelin damage can also result in loss of nerve fibers,” said Dr Neeraj.
“MS is treatable but not curable. Without treatment, patients may become disabled by repeated attacks or enter a progressive phase where disability increases slowly without new attacks."Clinical depression is more common in people with MS, due to both the psychological impact of the disease and the potential neuroendocrine changes caused by MS," he said.
Along with medications, experts emphasize a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle to manage MS.
Eating a healthy and nutritious diet, controlling weight, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, maintaining a balanced diet, ensuring good sleep hygiene, and managing high blood pressure and diabetes can help preserve healthy neurons and support overall health. Can do.
Physical exercise is also important for managing MS and improving quality of life.
Additionally, "Taking preventive measures to avoid infection may be helpful as some viral infections are known to trigger MS and genetic counseling may be helpful for people who have a family history of the disease," Dr. Himanshu said.
