Young, women more likely to suffer from multiple sclerosis: Experts

Young adults and women are more likely to suffer from multiple sclerosis said experts on Saturday Multiple Sclerosis MS is a complex chronic autoimmune and neurological disease that primarily affects the central nervous system leading to a range of symptoms and health issuesData from the World Health Organisation WHO estimate that over 18 million people worldwide live with MSThe prevalence of MS in India ranges from 7 to 30 per 100000 people according to various studiesldquoMS can strike anyone at any age however persons between the ages of 20 and 40 are the ones who are diagnosed with it most frequently Women are disproportionately affected since they are two to three times more likely than men to have the conditionrdquo Dr Himanshu Champaneri Senior Consultant Department of Neurosciences and Neurosurgery Marengo Asia Hospitals Gurugram saidCommon symptoms 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 urineIn addition some patients experience a currentlike sensation running down the spine with neck movementsThese symptoms typically develop over a few days to weeks differentiating them from stroke symptoms which have a rapid onset within seconds to minutesDr Neeraj Balaini Consultant ndash Neurology Aster RV Hospital told IANS that the exact cause of MS is not fully understoodldquoRisk factors for MS include genetic predisposition certain viral infections such as EpsteinBarr virus and Human herpes virus6 smoking and vitamin D deficiencyrdquo he saidThe doctor further explained that in MS there is a loss of myelin the insulating covering around nerves in the brain and spinal cordThis demyelination disrupts the electrical signals in the nerves leading to the various symptoms of MSldquoSevere myelin damage can also result in the loss of nerve fibres themselvesrdquo Dr Neeraj saidldquoMS 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 attacksldquoClinical depression is more frequent in people with MS due to both the psychological impact of the disease and potential neuroendocrine changes caused by MSrdquo he notedAlong with medications the experts stressed a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle to manage MSEating a healthy and nutritious diet managing weight avoiding alcohol and tobacco maintaining a balanced diet ensuring good sleep hygiene and managing hypertension and diabetes can help preserve healthy neurons and support overall healthPhysical exercise is also important in managing MS and improving quality of lifeIn addition ldquotaking preventative measures to avoid infections may be helpful as some viral infections are known to trigger MS and genetic counselling may be helpful for those with a family history of the diseaserdquo Dr Himanshu saidThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever