World MS Day, which falls on the 30th of May each year, aims to help raise awareness about multiple sclerosis and those living with the disease to improve public understanding and support that will move the world closer to being free of MS. Multiple sclerosis or MS is the most common inflammatory neurological disease in young adults. The average age of diagnosis is approximately 30 years, with most patients presenting with periodic neurological relapses.

Doctors reveal that the prevalence of MS varies considerably in Asian countries. And while there are no epidemiological studies available from Pakistan, in India the reported prevalence is three cases in a population of 100,000. The average age of MS patients in Pakistan is 27 years, with a female-to-male ratio of 3:1. Experts have stated that Pakistan was among the countries where the incidence of this disease was low. But over time, it manifested more in the chilly mountainous regions due to climatic and genetic factors. Doctors claim that MS detection in Pakistan has become routinely normal over the course of time, stating that the disease affects 400 people a year, but as diagnostic facilities in the country improve, numbers may increase.

Multiple sclerosis has been in our country for centuries, but experts claim that detection for the disease occurred only a decade ago when we got hold of better medical gadgets.Doctors warn that MS takes several forms, with new symptoms either occurring in isolated attacks or building up over time. Intermittently, symptoms might go away completely, but permanent neurological problems often occur. Healthcare professionals have also raised the issue of the difficulties Pakistani MS patients face due to the non-availability of medicines for treatment, which could cause patients to become disabled for life.

Pakistani model and actress, Iman Ali, recently spoke about her ongoing battle with multiple sclerosis for the last fourteen years. She revealed how MS changed her life completely as the disease impacted her speech and movement. She hasn't lost hope and continues to urge people to take care of themselves, never to ignore a symptom, and see a neurologist because a timely diagnosis could prevent the impacts of the disease.

What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (MS)is a progressive, immune-mediated disorder. This basically means that the system designed to keep your body healthy mistakenly starts to attack parts of your body that are vital to daily function. The protective coverings of nerve cells are damaged, which leads to diminished function in the brain and spinal cord. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease with unpredictable symptoms that can vary in intensity. While some people experience fatigue and numbness, severe cases of MS may cause paralysis, vision loss, and diminished brain function.Common early signs of MS include vision problems, tingling and numbness, pains and spasms, weakness or fatigue, balance problems or dizziness, bladder issues,sexual dysfunction and cognitive problems.

Early signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis

1. Vision problems are one of the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Inflammation affects the optic nerve and disrupts central vision, causing blurred vision, double vision, or even loss of vision. Vision problems may not be immediately noticeable, as degeneration of clear vision can be slow. Pain when you look up or to one side also can accompany vision loss.
2. Tingling and numbness is another common warning sign of MS, which is caused by affected nerves in the brain and spinal cord (the body’s message center). This means it can send conflicting signals around the body. Often, no signals are sent resulting in numbness. Common sites of numbness include the face, arms, legs, and fingers.
3. Pain and spasms especially in the form of chronic pain and involuntary muscle spasms are also common with MS. Studies indicate that half of the people with MS had chronic pain. Muscle stiffness or spasms (spasticity) are also common. You may experience stiff muscles or joints and uncontrollable, painful jerking movements. The legs are most often affected, but back pain is also common.
4. Fatigue and weakness such as unexplained fatigue or weakness affect about 80% of people in the early stages of this disease. Chronic fatigue occurs when nerves deteriorate in the spinal column. Usually, the fatigue appears suddenly and lasts for weeks before improving. Weakness is most noticeable in the legs initially.
5. Balance problems and dizziness or problems with coordination and balance can decrease the mobility of someone with MS. People with MS often feel lightheaded, dizzy, or as if their surroundings are spinning (vertigo). This symptom often occurs when a person stands up.
6. Bladder and bowel dysfunction is another symptom occurring in up to 80% of people with MS. This includes frequent urination, strong urges to urinate, or inability to hold in urine. Urinary-related symptoms are often manageable. Multiple sclerosis patients experience constipation, diarrhea, or loss of bowel control less frequently than urinary problems.
7. Sexual dysfunction or achieving sexual arousal can be a problem for people with MS because it begins in the central nervous system, which is where the disease attacks.
8. Cognitive problems are common in almost 50% of people who develop MS. This includes memory problems, shortened attention span, language problems and difficulty staying organized. Depression and other emotional health problems are also common.
9. Changes in emotional health are another common symptom. Stress of the disease can also cause irritability, mood swings, and a condition called pseudobulbar affect. This involves bursts of uncontrollable crying and laughing. Coping with symptoms and managing relationship or family issues can make depression and other emotional disorders even more challenging for a person with MS.
10. Other symptoms can also arise in someone with MS as everyone does not have the same symptoms. Different symptoms can manifest during relapses or attacks. Such symptoms include: hearing loss, seizures, uncontrollable shaking, breathing problems, slurred speech, trouble swallowing.

Prevention

Multiple sclerosis is a challenging disorder, but expert research has found many treatments that can slow its progression. It is characterized by a variety of symptoms,including fatigue, weakness, and mobility issues. While initially there was no cure for MS, now certain treatments are available including oral regimes that help individuals living with the disease to have a better quality of life.Evidence suggests that the best time for a person with MS to start treatment is as early as possible during the course of the disease. Therefore, the most effective defense against MS is consulting with your doctor immediately if you experience any of the warning signs mentioned above. This is especially important if anyone in your immediate family has the disorder because this is one of the key risk factors for multiple sclerosis. Do not hesitate to consult with your doctor as it could make a significant difference. If you are having trouble getting in touch with your doctor, please visit www.shifaam.comto connect with a doctor or book a virtual appointment with a neurologist.

Having someone to talk to can also make a big difference. Sign upon our portal and book yourself an appointment with a certified counsellor, who can help provide a fresh perspective and support in an open environment.

Sources:

Dawn News

Business Recorder

Healthline

World MS Dayhttps://worldmsday.org/