Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Dr. Fazıl Küçük Medicine Faculty academic staff members Dr. Gülcem Altınoğlu (Neuroscience Specialist) and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amber Eker Bakkaloğlu (Neurology Specialist) released a statement on the occasion of “World Brain Day – Stop Multiple Sclerosis”. The statement touched on following:
“World Brain Day is annually celebrated all around the world with the intention of emphasizing the importance of brain health and raising awareness on brain related diseases. This year, World Brain Day is dedicated to Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a neurological disease that affects more than 2.8 million people of all ages worldwide. Many events will take place regarding the matter with the slogan of “Stop Multiple Sclerosis”.
Multiple Sclerosis, also known as MS disease among the society, is a disease affecting young people. It is most commonly observed between the ages of 20-40. In MS, an autoimmune disease, the person's immune system attacks a layer called the myelin sheath, which surrounds and protects the nerves and is involved in transmitting nerve impulses. These attacks most often occur against the sheaths of the brain, cerebellum, spinal cord, and optic nerves. The myelin layer and nerves are damaged, causing the nerve impulses to not be transmitted properly. For this reason, some findings occur during these attacks of the immune system against the nervous system. The disease manifests itself with attacks in the vast majority of patients and symptoms are observed according to the affected area. During these attacks, vision problems, numbness, weakness and balance problems can be observed. It should not be forgotten that the symptoms of MS disease might differ among the patients. MS, which occurs in the form of temporary attacks in the early stages of the disease, may result in the persistence of some symptoms if treatment is delayed. Therefore, it is of great importance to know the symptoms of MS well and to apply to the relevant physicians in a timely manner. The first drug for MS was introduced in 1993. The drugs that came into use in the first years and are still used in the vast majority of patients are aimed at reducing and preventing the frequency of attacks. The world of neuroscience is working hard to diversify and improve the treatment options for MS, which affects young people. Over the years, many treatments have been used for patients with intense attacks. The goals of current and future drugs will not only reduce attacks but also to repair damaged tissue. Let's get to know MS, stop MS on this year's World Brain Day.”
