THE Multiple Sclerosis Society KZN branch will commemorate World MS Day on 25 May.
“We are discovering more and more people being diagnosed with this disease. It can strike at any age so our aim for the next couple of years is to create as much awareness as we can,” said the chairman of Multiple Sclerosis South Africa KZN, Dee Munks.
MS is an autoimmune disease whereby the body’s own immune system attacks its own myelin, which is the protective layer around the brain and spine cells or neurons.
“This prevents electrical messages from travelling along their natural paths telling the body what to do. This then ends up with scars forming in the brain called scleroses and there are many of them – hence the word multiple,” said Dee.
These can form anywhere in the brain or spinal cord.
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Where they form, will determine which part of the body is affected. Some early signs include optic neuritis – blurry vision, pain behind the eye; numbness or tingling travelling down your spine, legs or face; dizziness – falling or tripping easily; extreme fatigue and muscle spasms.
“Each patient develops their own specific collection of symptoms. There is no known cause or cure,” said Dee.
Diagnosis can only be made with an MRI and spine tap and treatment only manages the symptoms. The most common form of treatment is corticosteroids.
“Because it is known as an autoimmune disease, the gut is the first place to start. We have found that patients who follow an almost raw and gluten free diet, benefit the most,” said Dee.
Visit www.multiplesclerosis.co.za.
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