Awareness reduces pain, know MS!

 “I was diagnosed with MS in 2003. I’m a mechanical engineer and I run a business that manufactures car parts. I employ 200 people and I really enjoy what I do. I have balance issues and my legs are affected with cramps and pain, which affect my every step”, said Sanket.

Sanket’s story is just one among many, of people in India and around the world struggling with MS, who despite experiencing such a grave disease did not let it cause them extreme depression, but decided to take it in their stride and let nothing stop them.

But, “what is MS” you may ask. Here is a complete breakdown of what MS is and all that you need to know about it.

What is MS?

Multiple Sclerosis or commonly called MS is a chronic disease of the central nervous system (CNS). The Central Nervous System is made up of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves.

 MS is thought to be an auto-immune disorder, in which the immune system of your body attacks all the healthy tissues in your Central Nervous System.

What are the symptoms of MS?

MS can cause many symptoms, including blurred vision, loss of balance, poor coordination, slurred speech, tremors, numbness, extreme fatigue, problems with memory and concentration, paralysis, and blindness and more.

However, the most common symptoms are overwhelming fatigue, visual disturbances, altered sensation and difficulties with mobility.

What causes MS?

Studies suggest that genetic risk factors increase the risk of developing MS, but there is no evidence that MS is directly inherited.

Studies also show that factors such as low Vitamin D and cigarette smoking increase the risk of MS.

What are the types of MS?

There are mainly 4 types of MS; clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), primary progressive MS (PPMS), and secondary progressive MS (SPMS).

Can MS be cured?

No long time cure to MS has been found so far, however studies and researches into the cure for MS are being conducted every year.

There are however FDA- approved medications that “modify” the course of MS by reducing the number of relapses and delay its progression to a certain degree.

Many therapeutic and technological advances have also taken place which help people manage the symptoms they face.

In India so far there have been 2 lakh reported cases of MS, however there still remains a lack awareness amongst a most people in the country in order to identify its symptoms to undertake early diagnosis which is critical in order to reducing its weakening effects.

India Multiple Sclerosis Day will be observed on 5^th February, 2017 to reach out to people from all walks of life and increase awareness amongst them.