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Gurugram, India — Young adults and women are more likely to suffer from multiple sclerosis (MS), according to leading medical experts who spoke on Saturday. This chronic, autoimmune, and neurological disease primarily affects the central nervous system, leading to a range of symptoms and health issues.
Multiple sclerosis impacts over 1.8 million people globally, as estimated by the World Health Organization (WHO). In India, the prevalence of MS ranges from 7 to 30 per 100,000 people, based on various studies.
“MS can strike anyone at any age; however, individuals between the ages of 20 and 40 are most frequently diagnosed. Women are disproportionately affected, being two to three times more likely than men to have the condition,” stated Dr. Himanshu Champaneri, Senior Consultant in the Department of Neurosciences and Neurosurgery at Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram.
Common symptoms of MS 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. Additionally, some patients experience a current-like sensation running down the spine with neck movements. These symptoms typically develop over days to weeks, distinguishing them from the rapid onset of stroke symptoms, which occur within seconds to minutes.
Dr. Neeraj Balaini, Consultant in Neurology at Aster RV Hospital, explained 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 herpesvirus-6), smoking, and vitamin D deficiency,” he said. He further elaborated that MS involves the loss of myelin, the insulating covering around nerves in the brain and spinal cord. This demyelination disrupts electrical signals in the nerves, leading to various symptoms of MS. Severe myelin damage can also result in the loss of nerve fibers themselves.
“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,” Dr. Neeraj added. Clinical depression is also more frequent in people with MS due to both the psychological impact of the disease and potential neuroendocrine changes caused by MS.
Alongside medications, experts emphasize the importance of a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle to manage MS. A nutritious diet, weight management, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, ensuring good sleep hygiene, and managing hypertension and diabetes can help preserve healthy neurons and support overall health. Physical exercise is also vital in managing MS and improving quality of life.
“Taking preventative measures to avoid infections may be helpful, as some viral infections are known to trigger MS. Genetic counseling may be beneficial for those with a family history of the disease,” Dr. Himanshu concluded.
As MS continues to affect millions globally, understanding its impact on different demographics and the importance of comprehensive care remains crucial in improving the quality of life for those diagnosed with the disease.
