Multiple Sclerosis

It is a disease of the central nervous system.The symptoms of this disease is myelin (fatty insulating sheathes protecting nerve fibres) becomes damaged and scarred. It affects a person's motor, sensory and even cognitive functions. The causes of Multiple sclerosis are genetic and environmental factors. The impact and symptoms of Multiple sclerosis depends on a person's ability to participate in everyday activities different from person to person.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) does occur in India but it is rare. No epidemiological studies have been done. The calculations based on the hospital data suggest an approximate prevalence rate of 0.17 to 1.33 per 100,000 of population in different parts of India. One hundred and five patients with clinically definite MS (2 proven at autopsy) and 14 patients with neuromyelitis optica were seen in the Bombay region from 1957 to 1983.