54 in every 100,000 people have MS in Dubai

Maha Abbas, a Dubai resident, who is living with Multiple Sclerosis, shares her experience with a group of people.

Dubai - Doctors say if patients take required treatment they can go on with their daily lives like any other person

Asma Ali Zain

Published: Fri 27 May 2016, 6:41 PM

Last updated: Sat 28 May 2016, 1:25 AM

Doctors from Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has revealed that there is a considerable Multiple Sclerosis (MS) prevalence in the region and so more people should be aware about this disease.
In Dubai, 54 in every 100,000 people suffer from MS, the doctors said during DHA's Smart Clinic on the World MS Day, which falls on May 25 every year.

Symptoms and causes
The symptoms of MS include blurry eyesight, problems in balancing, feeling numbness hence MS affects motor skills, muscle pain, fatigue and emotional distress.
The speculated causes include but are not limited to autoimmune diseases, excessive immune reaction, previous viral infection, genetic factors and environment factors.

"MS is a long-lasting disease that can affect your brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves, causing neurological and functional disorders. In Dubai 54 in every 100,000 people in Dubai have MS," said Dr Yasmin Kamal, Senior Specialist, Neurology, Rashid Hospital.
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 occurs when the myelin layer in the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord and optic nerve) inflames.
While MS causes 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 to prevent MS attacks, MS patients should take the required medication, avoid extreme hot weather as well as avoid getting the cold and other viral infections.
She also said that avoiding stress, taking care of one's psychological state and following a healthy is vital.
While there is no cure for MS, doctors said that patients should treat the attacks and symptoms to avoid any progression.
They added that if the patients took the required treatment they can go on with their daily lives like any other person.
asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com