World Multiple Sclerosis Day on May 30th creates an opportunity to boost awareness and connect those with MS to resources and improve support systems. Multiple sclerosis occurs when our immune system attacks the myelin sheath (the outer layer) of the brain cells.

World MS Day, created by the MS International Federation and its members in 2009 to bring
together with the multiple sclerosis (MS) community, will this year continue online its 2020–2022
the theme of improving connections to break down social barriers.

As one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system, Multiple Sclerosis impacts
more than 2.3 million people around the world according to the Multiple Sclerosis International
Federation. The term multiple sclerosis means “many scars,” and this term relates to the areas that appear on the brain and spinal cord after the myelin covering our nerves is damaged or dies. The damaged myelin leaves a lesion behind. These lesions are identified by an MRI when symptoms begin to appear.

World MS Day: May 30, 2021, World MS Day unites individuals and organizations from around the world to raise awareness and move us closer to a world free of MS.

MS Stigma

People with multiple sclerosis can have symptoms like fatigue, tingling, pain, difficulty walking,
bladder, bowel and vision problems and others. These may vary in severity from one person to
another, may disappear, relapse or gradually worsen. MS patients often find themselves
depressed due to their symptoms and disabilities and the way people react to their condition.
Stigma occurs when people are stereotyped, prejudiced and discriminated against. This can lead
to the exclusion of the person from society.
Therefore, MS patients need a lot of support (both mental and physical) and care.

Caring for multiple sclerosis patients

Family members or friends are usually the primary caregivers of MS patients. If you too know someone who is diagnosed with MS, you need to know that MS is an unpredictable situation. Here are some ways to be better caregivers of MS patients:1. Let them be independent: Many MS patients like to be independent even as the disease progresses. You need to know when to let them be and when to interfere. To help them, you can make certain changes in their home, like installing ramps for wheelchairs (if needed) and widening the doorways. You can also add other tools and gadgets that help them go about their everyday activities with ease and minimum amount of help.

2. Know the treatments and experts: Read as much as you can and update yourself on the
latest treatments and the right medicines that help manage the situation for people with mild
MS. As MS worsens, patients are often taken off the disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) and it’s normal for you to feel helpless but now is the time to not give up. Work with physiotherapists to help them maintain their body movements (and hence independence) and speak to their doctor
about switching to devices like functional electrical stimulation – that give mild shocks to
muscles so they can function better.

3. Keep a log of medical care: Keep an eye on their symptoms and if they are changing or
getting better. Try not to skip any appointments with the doctor. You can keep a log of all the
appointments and set reminders to help you with this. If they are not willing to go see the doctor
due to extreme fatigue or other symptoms, try to check for home appointments in your area.

4. Take up a healthy lifestyle: Experts say that a healthy lifestyle and diet has a huge role in
managing disease symptoms and slowing down the progression of the disease. So, support them
in this and adopt their healthy-life routine. On the plus side, this will also keep you fit.

5. Get help: Don’t try to take on all the responsibilities. Instead, find a way to split
responsibilities with other family members or close friends so you get some time for self-care. If
that isn’t possible on a regular basis, at least ask for help from friends, family and your local MS
organizations when you absolutely need it.

At the Asian neuro centre where the best neurologist in Indore, Dr Navin Tiwari with world-
class diagnostic infrastructure and team has treated hundreds of patients with Multiple
Sclerosis successfully with a holistic approach.
For more information pls call at 9111234529 or write to us at info@asianneurocenter.com