On World MS Day, the Effects of MS Were Experienced

A press conference organised in collaboration between the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Turkey and Merck Turkey provided information about MS from the Society's Chair, Specialist Dr. Melih Tütüncü, and Neurologist Dr. Serkan Demir. Specialists noted that MS manifests and progresses differently in each person, describing MS as "a disease with 1001 faces, but with advanced treatment methods available today, its effects can be reduced and controlled." At the event, participants toured a specially designed experience area created to help understand the daily challenges and physical difficulties faced by individuals with MS, and patients undergoing treatment for MS shared their experiences. The purpose of this area is to raise awareness of the balance problems experienced by people with MS and associated reduced mobility, muscle rigidity, fatigue and blurred vision, and to foster empathy among healthy individuals towards MS patients. This year's theme for World MS Day, launched in 2009 to raise awareness about MS, has been set as "MyInvisibleMS/Invisible MS." World Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Day, observed annually on 30 May by the International MS Federation and the World Health Organisation, generates discussion through various events each year. This theme aims to raise awareness about the invisible symptoms of MS and the unseen impact of MS on quality of life. At the press conference held at Grand Hyatt Taksim with contributions from the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Turkey and Merck—a pioneer in innovative MS treatments that donated a total of 50,000 euros to the International MS Federation to support MS patients—Chair Uzm. Dr. Melih Tütüncü and Management Board Member and Project Lead Uzm. Dr. Serkan Demir of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Turkey provided information about the causes, symptoms and treatment methods of MS, and patients attending the event shared their experiences.

3.5 Million People With MS Worldwide

Chair of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Turkey, Specialist Dr. Melih Tütüncü, stated that Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the protective sheath (myelin sheath) around nerve fibres that carry messages in the central nervous system, and brain cells, caused by immune system malfunction in the brain and spinal cord. "MS occurs as a result of physical damage to the myelin layer of the spinal cord and nerve cells that enable information exchange between the central nervous system and organs," he said. Specialist Dr. Melih Tütüncü noted that 3.5 million people worldwide have MS, and that it is believed there are over 70,000 MS patients in Turkey.

Symptoms Vary According to Affected Nervous System Area

Stating that the first symptoms of the disease emerge within several days, Specialist Dr. Melih Tütüncü noted that these symptoms follow a course of exacerbations and remissions, showing complete improvement in the early stages, although in a small number of patients deterioration can occur from the outset without remissions. Specialist Dr. Melih Tütüncü said, "MS symptoms can show very wide variation from patient to patient in terms of severity and progression. Symptoms vary according to the affected nervous system area. Among these are tingling, numbness, fatigue, balance disorders, double vision, vision loss, speech impairment, tremor, stiffness in arms and legs, weakness, urinary incontinence or inability to urinate, and sexual problems. One or several of the described symptoms may occur together," he stated.

More Common in Women

Specialist Dr. Melih Tütüncü noted that in approximately two-thirds of patients, first symptoms appear between ages 20 and 40, saying, "However, there are also cases of early-onset patients as young as 10 years old and those with onset after 40 years of age. In terms of gender distribution, it is twice as common in women."

Some Points About MS Are Commonly Misunderstood

Highlighting that misconceptions about MS that are widespread in society have negative effects on patients, Specialist Dr. Melih Tütüncü stated, "There is a belief that these patients cannot have children. This is completely wrong; individuals with MS can have children. The timing of pregnancy must be planned with their doctor. There is a claim that spinal fluid withdrawal causes infertility or paralysis. This procedure is the same as spinal anaesthesia used in caesarean sections. There is a claim that MS is contagious; this is not true. MS is not contagious. Stress is considered a factor, but stress is already part of life. A stress-free life is impossible; we do not want our patients to change their lives. We tell our patients to 'continue pursuing whatever your goal is in life.' It is said that one should avoid sun exposure, but this is also not correct. In fact, vitamin D intake is needed. Here we need to distinguish between sun and heat. Heat can sometimes cause false relapses to be re-experienced in MS patients. We advise patients to get sun exposure but pay attention to duration. Herbal and alternative treatments are recommended. You cannot overcome MS through diet. Claims that various plants provide benefit are not correct. We recommend healthy eating, that is, the Mediterranean diet pattern that applies to everyone. We recommend a low-salt diet. Salt can trigger inflammation. You will not consume excessively sugary foods; you will watch your weight. Smoking must be avoided. If a patient is going to have a relapse, smoking accelerates it by 50 per cent. It reduces the effectiveness of treatments used in MS and can lead to worse progression," he said.