Experts discuss multiple sclerosis

On the eve of World Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Day, the All India institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) organised a conference to discuss key aspects of the disease, in the country.

The conference was presided over by leading neurologists, including Dr Rohit Bhatia and Dr M V Padma (President of Multiple Sclerosis Society of India).

AIIMS will mobilise efforts towards creating India-specific data at the national level to solve the problems of MS and related diseases and provide better lives for those who suffer from the debilitating disease.

Doctors said, 'MS is an auto-immune disease in which body attacks its own cells and tissues. Due to the damage in the nerve layer, transmission of signals from the spinal cord gets affected. 

The most common symptoms are numbness, weakness, in limbs, sudden loss of balance, blurred vision and paralysis. Genetic and environmental factors are also known to contribute to MS, but specific cause for the disease is not been yet identified. Its effects are primarily seen among youth in the 20-40  years age bracket.'

Ahead of the World MS day, Dr Rohit Bhatia, said, 'Efforts are being made to collate the data and understand the disease from an Indian perspective, which as of now, is not the case as the disease is considered more predominant in the western countries.'

Dr M V Padma said, 'It is not abnormal. This disease changes the lives of those who are affected.'

Doctors are confident that patients of MS can live longer and healthier if the disease is timely diagnosed and effectively managed.

According to Dr M V Padma, Professor, Department of Neurology, AIIMS, 'Availability of diagnostic centres with MRI facility is proving to be a boon for MS patients. Early diagnosis and treatment can slow disease progression and minimise associated disability, particularly because the condition can cause irreversible damage'.