Dubai: In Dubai, 54 in every 100,000 people suffer from multiple sclerosis (MS), pointed out doctors of Dubai Health Authority’ (DHA) Smart Clinic on World Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Day on Thursday.
“MS is a long-lasting disease that can affect your brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves, causing neurological and functional disorder,” said Dr Yasmin Kamal, senior specialist, Neurology, Rashid Hospital.
The symptoms of MS include blurry eyesight, problems in balancing, feeling numbness as MS affects motor skills, muscle pain, fatigue and emotional distress. To raise awareness about MS, DHA launched a social media campaign where stories of UAE residents with MS were shared using the hashtag #StrongerthanMS.
MS relapses occur with the inflammation of the myelin layer in the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord and optic nerve).
While the causes of MS are unknown, Dr Kamal said the speculated causes include but are not limited to autoimmune diseases, excessive immune reaction, previous viral infection, genetic factors and environment factors.
Rania Elias, senior physiotherapist at Dubai Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre, said MS patients should take the required medication, avoid extreme hot weather as well as avoid getting colds and other viral infections to prevent episodes. She also said that avoiding stress, taking care of one’s psychological state and following a healthy lifestyle is vital. While there is no cure for MS, doctors said that patients should treat the attacks and symptoms to avoid any progression.
Elias added that if the patients take the required treatment they enjoy a good quality life.
