What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and why is it hard to diagnose in India?

MS is an autoimmune disease attacking the central nervous system. It's often misdiagnosed in India due to vague, intermittent early symptoms like walking difficulties or vision problems, delaying proper diagnosis.

How does delayed diagnosis affect Multiple Sclerosis patients in India?

Delayed diagnosis in India leads to irreversible nerve damage and neurodegeneration, potentially causing severe disabilities such as paralysis or blindness if relapses are not treated.

What are the benefits of early diagnosis and modern therapies for MS in India?

Early diagnosis coupled with modern High-Efficacy Therapies (HETs) can break the disease cycle, reduce relapses, slow progression, and help patients achieve 'No Evidence of Disease Activity' (NEDA), preserving their quality of life.

Home / Health / MS Under-Diagnosed in India: The Hidden Cost of Delayed Care

MS Under-Diagnosed in India: The Hidden Cost of Delayed Care

11 Feb

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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.

MS Under-Diagnosed in India: The Hidden Cost of Delayed Care

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.