World Multiple Sclerosis Day on May 27

MS is a chronic progressive incurable disease of the central nervous system and onset of this crippling disease is in the very young and productive age. “It is not a killer disease but a crippling one that happens to young adults between the ages of 20 – 50. It may also affect young children at the age of 10 and below. Several studies prove that young females aged between 20-30 are more vulnerable to MS,” said Dr Noshir Wadia,a renowned neurologist and advisor to MSSI.

Incidence of MS in India is 0.5 to 2 per one lakh. This is actually less than what is seen in North America. But given the huge population,it is still alarming,say doctors. Also,Parsees are more prone to MS. The incidence is as high as 25 per one lakh. Reasons for this is still not known.

According to a study conducted between 2005 and 2008 across 112 countries by MSIF and the World Health Organisation (WHO),there are as many as two million people with MS in the world today. In India,there are 40,000 to 50,000 people afflicted with MS. Of this,3300 patients have registered with MSSI for physiotherapy on concessional rates and for moral support.

“I was at the zenith of my career and just got married when I discovered that I was suffering from MS. It started with numbness in hands and still continues to affect my left hand. Soon,there was no coordination between my brain and legs. I have a two-year-old daughter and a wife who helps me do my workouts,” said Nadeem Naqvi,a former national level gymnast,who had won a gold medal,and a film maker.

“Unlike in the past,for the last 10 years there has been tremendous research in the field of MS and there is hope for MS patients. However,the drugs available in the market are very expensive and common man cannot afford it. Government needs to remove the duty and also encourage Indian pharma companies to manufacture cost-effective drugs,” said Dr Bhim Sen Singhal,director of neurology,Bombay Hospital institute of medical sciences.