Gurugram, May 30 : Ahead of World MS Day, neurologists are expressing concern about the increasing number of youngsters neglecting early symptoms of neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS). Delayed diagnosis and treatment have become one of the biggest hurdles, particularly among youngsters who are active in the workplace and females in their late 20s and early 30s. Raising the concern, Dr. Praveen Gupta, Chairman – MAIINS, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram has emphasize on the importance of diagnosing multiple sclerosis and rehabilitating affected patients.
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly damages the protective sheath of nerve fibers, interfering with communication within the brain and between the brain and other parts of the body. According to doctors, the disease mostly manifests itself at times of life that are crucial in terms of career, planning for marriage, and raising families amid financial pressures.
The reports claim that there are more than 2-3 lakh MS sufferers in India, but unfortunately, several cases go undiagnosed because of lack of information about MS and neurologist facilities being few in small towns outside metros. MS patients typically experience symptoms such as numbness or tingling sensation, blurred vision, muscle weakness, balance problems, tiredness, and sudden difficulty walking.
According to Dr. Praveen Gupta, the significance of such awareness drives during World MS Day lies in the fact that they make individuals realize that early detection could dramatically improve their quality of life. “We are witnessing more and more young Indians coming to us with neurological complaints after having ignored them for months or sometimes even years. People generally tend to ignore symptoms such as fatigue, numbness, dizzy spells, and even vision problems because they think it to be stress-related conditions. When it comes to Multiple Sclerosis, early diagnosis becomes all the more important because timely medication prevents any further advancement of the condition, said Dr. Gupta.”
Talking about women’s health and the ability to conceive and nurture a child, Dr. Gupta further added,
“The biggest concern of a woman suffering from MS usually is whether they will be able to conceive or not or even take care of a child. The positive side is that with appropriate guidance, it is quite possible for them to have a healthy baby as well as a healthy and fulfilled family life. The key is early detection, treatment, and being aware of the disease.”
Rehabilitation in MS has been considered extremely important. This was pointed out by Dr. Kirti Yadav, Unit Head – Rehabilitation, MAIINS, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, as she remarked, “Early physiotherapy and rehabilitation sessions should be encouraged in MS patients as they are essential for maintaining the patient’s mobility, stability, muscle strength and lead an independent life.”
The experts also emphasized the need to keep up with the campaign activities after World MS Day through community-based outreach programs and better neurological services in small cities.
Harpreet Singh, Facility Director, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram shared,
“We are initiating a Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Clinic led by Dr. Praveen Gupta and his team, that aims to enhance the outcome for the patients while at the same time improving their access to the facility and increasing awareness regarding this ailment in the community as well. Through such specialized services, we hope to provide more targeted and appropriate medical attention to people with MS. This move would go a long way toward improving the early diagnosis and treatment of patients with this ailment, Harpreet Singh added.”