AIIMS to assist in setting up Multiple Sclerosis database

May 31, 2012

The Neurology centre at All India Medical Institute of Sciences (AIIMS) will aid in building a National Registry for Multiple Sclerosis (MS).It will help in maintenance of epidemiological data of MS patients from across India for evidence based research, treatment, and education.

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects brain and spinal cord.
An inflammatory disease in which fatty myelin sheaths around the axons of the brain and spinal cord are damaged, leading to demyelination and scarring as well as a broad spectrum of signs and symptoms.
In this disease the body’s own immune system attacks and damages the myelin. When myelin is lost, the axons can no longer effectively conduct signals.
The name “multiple sclerosis""” refers to scars (scleroses—better known as plaques or lesions) particularly in the white matter of the brain and spinal cord, which is mainly composed of myelin.

When does MS usually occurs?

Disease onset usually occurs in young adults, and it is more common in women than men. MS affects youth in the age of 20-40 years.

Symptoms:

numbness & weakness in the limbs
sudden loss of balance
blurred vision
paralysis
Dysphagia
Fatigue
Cognitive Impairment

What is the “Reaching Out” Project?

‘Reaching Out’ is a 3-year pilot project has been initiated all over cities in Uttar Pradesh to collect more data on MS patients. The project will also be implemented in other states as well in the years to come.

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