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MS Under-Diagnosed in India: The Hidden Cost of Delayed Care
11 Feb
Summary
- Autoimmune diseases affect 5-8% of India's population, leading to chronic illness.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is often misdiagnosed due to vague, intermittent symptoms.
- Early diagnosis and modern therapies are crucial to prevent irreversible nerve damage.
Approximately 5% to 8% of India's population suffers from autoimmune diseases that can lead to chronic illnesses. Among these, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a condition where the immune system attacks the central nervous system's myelin sheath. The intermittent and vague nature of early MS symptoms, such as difficulty walking or vision problems, often leads to misdiagnosis as stress or vitamin deficiency.
This delay in diagnosis poses a significant challenge in India due to limited awareness and access to neurological care. It's estimated that over one lakh individuals in India live with MS, yet only a fraction receive a correct diagnosis. Without timely intervention, relapses can cause irreversible nerve damage and neurodegeneration, potentially leading to severe disabilities like paralysis or blindness.
However, advancements in modern therapies offer a way to break this cycle. Early diagnosis and the use of High-Efficacy Therapies (HETs) can significantly reduce relapse frequency and slow disease progression, allowing patients to achieve 'No Evidence of Disease Activity' (NEDA).
Medical professionals are urged to enhance public education, improve early symptom identification, and expedite treatment decisions. Proactive management of MS empowers patients to maintain their quality of life, pursue careers, and achieve personal goals.
