Chandigarh is witnessing an increase in patients of multiple sclerosis (MS), a nervous system disease that affects your brain and spinal cord.
In the last few years, three to four new patients of multiple sclerosis are registered every month in the city’s hospitals. The young adults especially in the age group of 20-30 are the most vulnerable to Multiple Sclerosis but an early intervention and general awareness can greatly improve the lives of MS Patients.
Dr Dheraj Khurana, Additional Professor, Department of Neurology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research said, “Multiple Sclerosis or MS is an auto immune and progressive disease of the brain and central nervous system in which the immune system attacks the nerves. Being a chronic disease that affects individuals at their prime, the socio- economic burden of MS is huge.” In Chandigarh, three –four new patients of MS have been registered every month in past few years. The crude prevalence of MS in India stands at 8-9
people per 1, 00,000. It is estimated that the total burden in India is close to 1.8 lakh patients, informed Dr Khurana.Giving details about the symptoms and treatment of MS, Dr Khurana said, “Effective treatment and management strategies exist for multiple sclerosis especially when tackled early. In addition to medicines, it is important to stay active and a positive attitude plays an invaluable role to control the symptoms of disease.”
The first symptoms of MS can be sudden and unexpected. Blurred or double vision, memory problems, lack of coordination, loss of balance, numbness, tingling and weakness in arms or legs are some of the common symptoms. The exact cause of the disease is unknown and it could be a combination of genetics, environmental factors, vitamin deficiency, stress and possibly even a virus to which the person was exposed to early in life.
Dr Khurana added, “Establishing an early diagnosis is imperative as MS is a disease that evolves over time. While there is no definite cure, emerging oral treatments are ushering in a new era in the treatment of MS, providing new treatment options. Oral drugs are now available as disease modifying agents. Better compliance to treatment is an advantage with oral drugs as they do not involve frequent injections.”
