World MS Day - 2024

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an immune mediated disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath, the protective covering of nerve fibres in the central nervous system. This damage disrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body, leading to a wide range of symptoms, including visual disturbances, muscle weakness, sensory abnormalities, coordination problems, and cognitive issues.

The exact cause of MS remains unknown, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of neurological examinations, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), multimodal evoked potentials, and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Early diagnosis allows for the prompt initiation of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), which can reduce the frequency and severity of relapses and potentially slow disease progression. Studies have shown that initiating treatment during the early stages of MS can preserve neurological function and improve long-term outcomes.

Summarisingly, increasing awareness about the early signs of MS and advancing diagnostic techniques are essential in improving patient outcomes.