Early diagnosis and treatment can result in increased life expectancy for people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
People diagnosed with MS should not change their life goals advise experts
Marked improvement in treatment over the years
Pune (P&V News Service): Early diagnosis and effective treatment can result in increased life expectancy as well as quality of life for people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) opined experts.
Multiple Sclerosis Day is observed every year on 30 May . What was considered as a rare disease in tropical countries and more prevalent in western countries, Multiple Sclerosis today is been increasingly diagnosed in India due to the increased availability of advanced diagnostics and neurologists.
Mutliple Sclerosis or MS is an auto-immune disease in the Central Nervous System. Myelin – which is the protective coating of nerve fibers is repeatedly targeted by immune cells which cause damage resulting in disruption of communication between brain and rest of the body. Permanent damage of nerves can be potentially disabling for brain and spinal cord. Although the exact cause of MS can’t be pinpointed, it is linked to a combination of environmental factors and genetic predisposition.
Dr. Nasli Ichaporia, Senior Neurologist and Director of Neurology Department at Sahyadri Super Specialty Hospital, Nagar Road said that with more awareness, early diagnosis, availability of treatments in the form of more effective drugs, the quality of life of people with MS has improved significantly. Patients diagnosed with MS should therefore not change their life goals be it career or family life, marriage, having children, nothing should get altered. This is now a highly controllable disease if diagnosed and treated early which was not possible earlier.
The challenge arises when MS is left untreated and may result severe complications like paralysis, depression, epilepsy or disability.
Dr. Ichaporia added many times the diagnosis is delayed because the symptoms are non-specific. But some of the symptoms are very characteristic like painful loss of vision in one or both eyes, tingling or numbness in the body on one side or double vision, difficulty in walking, slurred speech, difficulty in moving the lower limbs problems in bladder function, etc . The non –specific symptoms include fatigue, irritability, anxiety etc. Depending on the extent of damage of the nerve, the signs and symptoms may differ. Many of the untreated people may become wheelchair bound in about 20 years time. But if diagnosed and treated early and effectively, it can increase the period of disability free life and reduce the chances of mortality. However it should be noted that the treatment is lifelong.
Normally MS may onset in the age group of 20-45 , more commonly in women . Having a family history of the disease , certain auto-immune diseases, low levels of vitamin D , smoking can be risk factors .
People with above symptoms should immediately get in touch with their doctor who might suggest diagnosis tests. Lab analysis of cerebrospinal fluid ( spinal tap ) , certain blood tests and MRI can play a major role in diagnosis.
Although there is no definite cure for MS, lifelong monitoring, medications combined with physiotherapy can control the disease and its progression. Good lifestyle choice like exercise and proper nutrition will enhance the overall treatment. Although this is a chronic illness , with timely diagnosis and treatment , patients of MS can expect increased life expectancy.
