Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system (CNS), which can affect any part of the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. MS damages or destroys the protective covering (known as myelin) surrounding the nerves of the CNS, and can potentially injure the nerves as well. It is mostly young adults between the ages of 20 and 40 who get affected by this highly disabling disease and it tends to target women three times more frequently as men. Prevalence of this disease is higher in the west with approximately50-100 per 100000 getting affected while in India it is ~ 9-10 per 100000 population and currently believed that there are over 100,000 patients in the country. It is an autoimmune disease due to which the bodies own parts in this case- the myelin is recognized as foreign and attacked by its own immunity. It is believed to be more common in population residing at high altitude possibly due to less exposure to sunlight and low level of vitamin D, other risk factor including smoking, genetic factors and stress. Usually patients present with recurring and a recovering pattern of neurological symptoms (also called relapsing and remitting), the common symptoms being visual problems, overwhelming fatigue, difficulty with balance and coordination, various levels of impaired mobility, muscle weakness and stiffness. An attack may be characterized by sudden loss of vision or double vision, weakness of one side of body or weakness of legs (paraplegia). An early treatment is the goal for successful management of such patients. A variety treatment options are available including oral and injectable medicines, numerous rehabilitative measures and vocational training.
MS PRESENTS MANY CHALLENGES IN LIFE.The advancement in research to improve patient’s management has resulted in better outcomes.Management of MS needs a coordinated approach and team work among health care providers, caregivers and patients.
With the theme of improving the care and lifest.