All Developments in MS Discussed at BAU

MS (multiple sclerosis), known as an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system and occurring most often in young people and women, can develop in connection with smoking, obesity and vitamin D deficiency. Thanks to studies on the disease and new treatment options in recent years, MS is now both better understood and better controlled. 

New developments in the diagnosis and treatment of MS, which presents with symptoms such as numbness, blurred vision, imbalance, speech disorders, paralysis, tremor, fatigue and attention deficit, were discussed at the "BAU Medicine MS Meeting," organized by the Department of Neurology at the Bahçeşehir University School of Medicine with the unconditional support of Gen İlaç. At the conference, held at the Fazıl Say Conference Hall on the BAU Beşiktaş Campus, it was emphasized that in addition to genetic factors, smoking, obesity, vitamin D deficiency and certain infections facilitate the onset of the disease. It was stated that smoking, one of the factors involved in the onset of the disease, also negatively affects the course of the disease and of treatment.

In his presentation titled "Where Will We Be in 2025?", Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhteşem Gedizlioğlu, Head of the Neurology Clinic at İzmir Bozyaka Training and Research Hospital, summarized research on MS diagnosis and treatment being carried out worldwide. Stating that nanotechnology and stem cell studies are promising in the treatment of MS, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gedizlioğlu said: "There may be significant developments in stem cell studies over the next 10 years. The use of nanotechnology in diagnosis and treatment may also enter practice. Significant developments are also expected in diagnostic tools. Environmental factors may be better understood."

SALT MAY INCREASE CONFUSION IN THE IMMUNE SYSTEM 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gedizlioğlu also touched on the first results of a new study launched in 5 countries on the relationship between MS and environmental risk factors.

Mentioning recent studies suggesting that a high-salt diet may also lead to MS, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gedizlioğlu stated that, with new data to be obtained in the coming years, salt restriction may be recommended, as in cardiovascular diseases.

THE DISEASE FAVORS THE YOUNG BUT CAN OCCUR AT ANY AGE

Stating that the disease occurs in young people, most often in the 20–40 age group, Prof. Dr. Hülya Aydın Güngör, faculty member at the Department of Neurology, BAU School of Medicine, noted that MS can also be seen in children and the elderly, and that they have encountered MS cases at the age of 7 as well as at 70. Emphasizing that women are most at risk, Prof. Dr. Güngör said: "It is almost twice as common in women. Between the ages of 20 and 40, MS is the most common significant cause of disability after trauma. A family history of MS has been found in about 20% of MS patients."

A NEW ERA IN TREATMENT HAS BEGUN IN THE LAST 20 YEARS 

Giving a presentation at the meeting titled "New Drugs: Our Expectations and Problems," Prof. Dr. Hülya Aydın Güngör, faculty member at the Department of Neurology, BAU School of Medicine, provided the following information:

"We can say that a new era in drug treatment for MS has begun in the last 20 years. Preventive treatments are highly effective and prevent the progression of the disease. Studies on drugs that prevent the progression and worsening of the disease are ongoing. Studies are also ongoing on drugs that prevent the progression of the disease, have few side effects and are easy to use. In addition, personalized treatments are on the agenda."

WARNING SIGNS OF MS

- Blurred vision or complete loss of vision

- Double vision – involuntary eye movements

- Numbness, tingling

- Imbalance, dizziness

- Tremor in the hands

- Impaired bladder and bowel control – intermittent urination – not feeling the urge to urinate or being unable to urinate

- Partial or complete weakness or paralysis in an arm or leg

- Speech disorders

- Extreme weakness, fatigue

- Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, attention deficit

One or more of the symptoms described may occur together. For these symptoms to be attributed to MS, the complaints must last at least 24 hours.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MS PATIENTS 

- MS patients should be helped not to withdraw from social life and to remain independent, comfortable and productive.

- Like all other individuals, they need to maintain their general physical health.

- They should pay attention to their diet, avoid gaining weight, do exercises suitable for them, pay attention to their sleep and rest.

- Protection against infections is important, because patients' symptoms may worsen during infections.

- It is especially important that they protect themselves against urinary tract and respiratory infections and that any infection is treated.

COMPLAINTS MAY INCREASE WITH RISING TEMPERATURES

There are no restrictions that require MS patients to limit their lives. There are only some points they need to be careful about. First of all, an increase in temperature may make these patients feel unwell or increase their complaints. For this reason, they are advised to avoid strenuous sports that raise body temperature significantly. They are advised to avoid hot places such as Turkish baths, hot springs and saunas, and not to go out in very hot weather. It is important that they pay attention to their sleep patterns and diet.

THE MOST IDEAL SPORTS: SWIMMING AND YOGA

Exercise programs and working the muscles help relieve symptoms during an acute attack and relieve muscle spasms, stiffness and balance problems. If the patient has difficulty walking, using an assistive device will be beneficial. If they are able to, swimming is the most ideal sport. It is recommended for patients because it works all the muscles of the body. In addition, sports that also bring mental peace, such as yoga, are very beneficial for patients.