Move Strong Campaign to Promote Awareness About Multiple Sclerosis: Experts

By 121 News

Chandigarh 02^nd June:- Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe enough to cause blindness or paralysis.  According to the Atlas of MS, there are about 2.3 million people in the world with MS, although the number may be much higher as it is likely that many people with MS remain undiagnosed in certain parts of the world.MS is found in all parts of the world, its prevalence varies greatly, being highest in North America and Europe (50-100 per 100000 patients), and lowest in sub-Saharan Africa and East Asia. In India, it is ~ 9-10 per 100000 population and currently believed that there are over 100,000 patients in the country.MS affects at least twice as many more women than men, suggesting a role of hormones in the disease process. Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 25 and 35, although around three to five per cent of people with MS are diagnosed as children, and it can occur in much older adults. Usually patients present with recurring and a recovering pattern of neurological symptoms (also called relapsing and remitting), the common symptoms being visual problems, overwhelming fatigue, difficulty with balance and coordination, various levels of impaired mobility, muscle weakness and stiffness. An attack may be characterized by sudden loss of vision or double vision, weakness of one side of body or weakness of legs. An early treatment is the goal for successful management of such patients. A variety treatment options are available including oral and injectable medicines, numerous rehabilitative measures and vocational training.

Life with MS can be difficult. For many people living with multiple sclerosis, walking 50 steps is a daunting task. Each day brings new challenges, which need new solutions. Remember, MS affects everyone differently and, sadly, people are being diagnosed all the time.

In PGIMER we have Multidisciplinary Special Clinic on Multiple Sclerosis and allied demyelinating diseases twice a month i.e 2^nd and 4^th Thursday - where 140 patients were seen during the last year. Every month we get 3-4 new patients in the Clinic. Multidisciplinary team includes Neurophysician, Neurology resident, MS Counselor, Psychologist, Occupational therapist and Physiotherapist providing a holisitic management paradigm to the MS patients

World MS Day is officially marked on the last Wednesday of May. Events and campaigns take place throughout the month of May. It lets us join hands and express our support to ones who have taken the hard path, the ones who stuttered, yet carried on. It brings the global MS community together to share stories, raise awareness and campaign with and for everyone affected by multiple sclerosis.

This year's Move Strong campaign is aimed at promoting awareness about Multiple sclerosis. The two day event i.e on 3^rd and 4^th June, 2017 comprises of a CME for Neurophysicians, discussion about latest updates on MS treatments. On 4^th June, 2017, there will be a program for patients and caregivers which will involve answering their queries and support group activities for patients. Gurnazar, a renowned singer will grace the event with his soulful performance. The purpose of this event is to make the patients see life in a positive light, beyond the disease and disability.