ERÜ Faculty of Medicine Department of Neurology. Faculty Member Assoc. Dr. Mehmet Fatih Yetkin gave information about Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Disease and said that there have been rapid developments in MS treatment in recent years and the effectiveness of treatments is increasing day by day.
Assoc. Dr. Mehmet Fatih Yetkin, "MS Disease is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, defined as the brain and spinal cord. Although the target of autoimmunity is the substance called myelin, which mainly protects nerve cells, many central nervous system structures are affected by the disease. According to the affected central nervous system structures; "A wide range of symptoms such as visual impairment, sensory problems, loss of strength and balance problems can be observed," he said.
Assoc. Dr. Yetkin pointed out that there may be differences between individuals in the course of MS disease, and that while many people have exacerbating MS with periods of exacerbation and remission, the progressive type without attacks is also seen less frequently. He said that it is two or three times more common in women than in men, that it mostly affects individuals between the ages of 20 and 40, that there are 2.8 million people with MS worldwide, and that approximately one person is diagnosed with MS every 5 minutes.
Assoc. Dr. Mehmet Fatih Yetkin stated that his disease was diagnosed according to international diagnostic criteria, the diagnosis was determined by evaluating the disease history and symptoms, physical examination, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), evoked potential tests and often using tests such as lumbar puncture, and personalized treatment was given according to the disease characteristics and individual characteristics. he stated.
Assoc. Dr. Yetkin said, "The main goal of treatment is to treat attacks, regulate the immune system and manage symptoms in order to prevent new attacks and loss of function. Treatments called immunomodulatory treatments aim to correct the dysfunction in the defense system that causes the disease. These treatments, which are applied for a long time, are administered by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection." "There are different routes of administration and different mechanisms of action, such as oral capsules or tablets, or intravenous infusion under hospital conditions," he said.
"Patient management and follow-up are of great importance during the treatment process of Multiple Sclerosis."
Assoc. Dr. Mehmet Fatih Yetkin noted: "Evaluation of individuals with MS with a multidisciplinary approach requires the cooperation of various health professionals such as neurologists, physiotherapists, psychologists and social workers. Such an approach helps to create individual treatment plans, improve the quality of life of patients and provide support." It plays an important role in the disease. With the early diagnosis of the disease and the early initiation of immunomodulatory treatments that regulate the mechanisms that cause the disease, many individuals with MS can continue their daily lives without experiencing obvious loss of function. May 30th is held all over the world to raise awareness about MS disease. "It is celebrated as MS Day. I sincerely congratulate all our friends and relatives with MS on World MS Day."
