World Multiple Sclerosis Day - 2013

World Multiple Sclerosis Day (WMSD) is celebrated each year, since 2009, on the 29^th of May. The purpose of the day is to "raise awareness of MS as a global issue and raise funds to support the work of the global MS movement including MS research." WMSD is observed in at least 47 countries the world over.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating disorder that affects the nervous system. In people who have MS, the myelin sheath surrounding the nerve cells gets damaged and this impairs messages being sent to, and from, the brain and different parts of the body. The disease is more prevalent in women than in men and usually occurs for the first time between the ages of 20 and 40 years.

The causes of MS are not clearly understood although there exists a popular school of thought that the condition is an autoimmune one; genetic factors have also been implicated. More recently, a cluster of genes on chromosome 6 are believed to play a role in bringing about this condition.

Some of the early symptoms of MS include tremors, fatigue, problems in vision and in thinking. Other symptoms include impaired coordination and balance, numbness, prickling sensations and muscle weakness. MS may result in complications in some individuals, which include muscle stiffness, paralysis and bladder and bowel incontinence. Patients with MS are highly prone to develop depression too.

The symptoms of MS are unpredictable and that makes its diagnosis difficult. Diagnosis of the disease is done with the help of imaging tests such as the MRI. It is important to recognize the early warning signs of MS and get treatment at the earliest.

The disease is likely to affect day-to-day life, interfere with eating, sleeping and working, and is also likely to trigger depression. It would be better for the MS individuals to continue to work as far as possible. In the event of being unable to cope, seeking help through counseling or a support group is a good option. This will help them to choose a career that is best suited for them and continue with their day-to-day life.

It is true that MS does not have a cure but it is possible to control the condition with early diagnosis, early treatment with the appropriate medications, physical therapy and stress management.

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Source-Medindia