Young adults and women are more likely to suffer from multiple sclerosis, said experts on Saturday.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a complex, chronic, autoimmune, and
neurological disease that primarily affects the central nervous system, leading
to a range of symptoms and health issues.
Data from the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimate that over
1.8 million people worldwide live with MS.
The prevalence of MS in India ranges from 7 to 30 per 100,000
people, according to various studies.
“MS can strike anyone at any age, however, persons between the
ages of 20 and 40 are the ones who are diagnosed with it most frequently. Women
are disproportionately affected since they are two to three times more likely
than men to have the condition,” Dr. Himanshu Champaneri Senior Consultant-
Department of Neurosciences and Neurosurgery, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram,
told IANS.
Common symptoms include numbness or sensory loss, paraesthesia in
limbs or face, vision loss, weakness in one or more limbs, double vision,
imbalance while walking, and bladder problems such as difficulty holding or
passing urine.
In addition, some patients experience a current-like sensation
running down the spine with neck movements.
These symptoms typically develop over a few days to weeks,
differentiating them from stroke symptoms, which have a rapid onset within
seconds to minutes.
Dr Neeraj Balaini, Consultant – Neurology, Aster RV Hospital, told
IANS that the exact cause of MS is not fully 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 a loss of myelin
-- the insulating covering around nerves in the brain and spinal cord.
This demyelination disrupts the electrical signals in the nerves,
leading to the various symptoms of MS.
“Severe myelin damage can also result in the loss of nerve fibres
themselves,” Dr. Neeraj said.
“MS is treatable but not curable. Without treatment, patients may
accumulate disabilities from repeated attacks or enter a progressive phase
where disability increases gradually without new attacks.
“Clinical depression is more frequent in people with MS due to
both the psychological impact of the disease and potential neuroendocrine
changes caused by MS,” he noted.
Along with medications, the experts stressed a balanced diet and
healthy lifestyle to manage MS.
Eating a healthy and nutritious diet, managing weight, avoiding
alcohol and tobacco, maintaining a balanced diet, ensuring good sleep hygiene,
and managing hypertension and diabetes, can help preserve healthy neurons and
support overall health.
Physical exercise is also important in managing MS and improving
quality of life.
In addition, “taking preventative measures to avoid infections may
be helpful as some viral infections are known to trigger MS and genetic
counselling may be helpful for those with a family history of the disease,” Dr.
Himanshu said.
https://www.newkerala.com/news/2024/32809.htm
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