Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Disease, Symptoms, and Treatment

"The MS is a treatable disease."

Neurology Specialist Prof. Dr. Rana Karabudak, pointing out significant advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) over the past decade, particularly for the disease prevalent among the young population, stated that much more encouraging results can be achieved with early diagnosis. Prof. Karabudak mentioned, "With increased awareness among patients and the development of treatment options, we can say that today, MS has become a treatable disease for approximately 60% of patients. MS is a manageable condition, and at this point, the key lies with the patient". 

Emphasizing that Multiple Sclerosis is a disease primarily affecting the young population and thus a critical issue for public health, Prof. Dr. Rana Karabudak from Yeditepe University Koşuyolu Hospital's Neurology Department highlighted that in a country with a young population like ours, the prevalence of the disease notably increases within the 20-40 age range. Moreover, Prof. Dr. Rana Karabudak pointed out significant progress in diagnosis and treatment in recent years, providing essential insights on the matter. 

"It is more frequently observed in women."

"MS can now be detected at younger ages and earlier stages, a phenomenon attributed to the increased awareness of MS, which allows patients to recognize its symptoms and signs," continued Prof. Dr. Karabudak. "While the disease is on the rise among the young population, its exact cause is not fully determined. However, it is observed 1.5 to 2 times more frequently in women compared to men. With the improvement of societal awareness, MS's gradual and diverse symptoms have begun to be recognized by patients. Additionally, advancements in imaging techniques enable the diagnosis of MS at much earlier stages. This brings significant benefits for early treatment." 
"Early diagnosis and personalized treatment can yield significant benefits."

Highlighting the significance of early diagnosis with advancements in treatment, Prof. Dr. Karabudak provided the following insights regarding developments in treatment: "The sooner the diagnosis is made and the more appropriate the treatment is applied, the better the outcomes can be achieved. I can say that there have been incredible advancements in treatment options, especially in the last 10 years. Therefore, by selecting the appropriate treatment for the patient, we can gain a lot. Treatments are now becoming more targeted. With the improvement of treatment possibilities, we can say that MS is a treatable disease for about 60% of MS patients. We face challenges in the group of 10-15% with primary progressive MS and limited options for those with slightly progressive MS. However, research is ongoing for new treatment options that will overcome these challenges." 

"It can lead to a decrease in visual acuity."

Prof. Dr. Karabudak, stating that MS is a disease with multiple symptoms and therefore its symptoms can be confused with different diseases, provided the following information about symptoms indicative of MS: "Among the most important typical symptoms are sensory impairments, numbness, burning, tingling, prickling, tingling, and pinpricking. These symptoms can be transient or gradually increasing. Additionally, the patient may experience weakness. Another significant early symptom is a decrease in visual acuity. Due to this warning sign observed in two out of three patients in the early stages, when the patient consults an ophthalmologist, no eye-related problem might be detected. This is because the issue lies within the optic nerves. Therefore, these patients must be referred to a Neurology specialist without fail."
"It's Possible to Live Well with MS"
Stating that MS is a treatable and manageable disease in today's world, but emphasizing that the key to living well with MS lies with the patient themselves, Prof. Dr. Rana Karabudak said, "The patient needs to manage the process. They should pay attention to their sleep, nutrition, and maintain a regular lifestyle. In other words, they should try to adhere to the well-known rules of a healthy life as much as possible. Additionally, if needed, the patient can receive support for managing symptoms. They can carry on with their daily life. While there might be varying degrees of disability, it is not a barrier. Physical therapies can be sustained according to the extent of disability. In short, MS is a livable condition. It should be managed well, and the key is the patient." 

"MS Doesn't Prevent Having Children"

Prof. Karabudak explains that one of the most frequently asked questions by patients regarding living with MS is whether the disease will hinder their ability to have children. She clarifies the matter as follows: "The majority of our patients are young women who are in their reproductive and fertile years. In this regard, MS does not limit the patient. Our patients can have children. In fact, we have patients with twins and triplets. In the MS patients we follow, we don't observe any issues in marriage. However, at this point, spouses need to be understanding and supportive of each other. While there are no problems in terms of sexual life, any potential issues are not insurmountable. They can seek therapy to support themselves if needed."

"Attention Should Be Paid to Vitamin D Deficiency During Adolescence"

Prof. Dr. Rana Karabudak emphasizes the importance of ensuring sufficient vitamin D intake, particularly for children of parents with MS, to prevent susceptibility to the disease. She provides the following information on the topic: "Vitamin D deficiency during the growth and adolescence stages increases the susceptibility to MS. There are various changes occurring in the body during childhood and adolescence. This is why we can catch it precisely during these periods. However, the diagnosis of the disease can only be made through an MRI. Sometimes, a patient presents to the hospital with vague symptoms like headaches. When an MRI is conducted at that point, we observe findings that are identical to what we see in MS. We need to monitor these patients who do not show any pathological signs. Because approximately 50% of this group can develop MS within 10 years. One-third of them can exhibit new MRI signs within the first 5 years. Therefore, doctors need to be aware of this."

"Unhealthy Eating and Obesity Can Trigger MS"

Addressing certain points, especially regarding nutrition, for societal awareness, Prof. Dr. Rana Karabudak stated, "Not maintaining a healthy diet, consuming fast food, particularly processed and non-fresh foods, frozen foods, refined foods, white flour, white sugar, salt, can trigger the development of MS. Therefore, a proper dietary regimen and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle are crucial. There is an increasing trend of sedentary behavior in societies. As with all autoimmune diseases, obesity and an increase in body mass index can also be triggering factors for MS."