Neurologist Dr. Ezgi Yakupoğlu told about the wrong information about Multiple Sclerosis that is thought to be true in the society. Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital Neurology Specialist Dr. Ezgi Yakupoğlu pointed out that erroneous information about Multiple Sclerosis, which is believed to be true in the society, causes delays in diagnosis and treatment, and said, “This delay may also cause the patients' activities of daily living to be adversely affected and the disease to progress worse. Therefore, it is very important to know the symptoms of MS disease and to consult a doctor on time.
Dr. Ezgi Yakupoğlu said that Multiple Sclerosis can be diagnosed at an early stage. Yakupoğlu said, “Multiple Sclerosis can be easily diagnosed in the early period after a detailed patient history and examination and necessary tests, if neurologists are consulted at the right time. Complaints such as weakness in the arms and/or legs, numbness, imbalance, fatigue, double vision and blurred vision, speech disorder are the common symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis. Therefore, applying to a doctor without wasting time in these complaints plays a key role in early diagnosis of the disease.
Pointing out that it can be controlled, Yakupoğlu said, “Contrary to popular belief, Multiple Sclerosis can be brought under control with medication today. There are drug options for MS disease that act during attacks and as long-term prophylaxis. In line with the increasing studies in recent years, many drug options are used according to the course of the disease or the individual characteristics of the patient. Medicines are divided into two groups as injection and tablet form. Patient-specific individual characteristics and preferences are taken into account in the drugs to be selected. With a regular follow-up, it is possible to switch between drugs, and in this way, the methods can be much more effective.”
Multiple Sclerosis; Stating that clinically isolated syndrome is basically divided into 3 subgroups: with attacks and progressive course, Dr. Ezgi Yakupoğlu continued as follows:
“MS, which progresses with clinical isolated syndrome and attacks, has a good prognosis and is seen at a high rate of 85 percent in patients. Progressive MS, which has a bad course, affects 15% of patients. Therefore, most patients' symptoms can be easily controlled with appropriate treatment and regular follow-up. Thus, patients can continue their daily lives without any problems with effective treatment.”
Stating that it is not a genetically transmitted disease, Yakupoğlu said, “Even though there is a familial transmission, it has not been clearly proven that Multiple Sclerosis is a genetically transmitted disease. Genetic and environmental factors play a role together in the development of the disease. Although a person with a family history of MS is at higher risk than the normal population, this does not indicate that the disease is inherited. Smoking, diet, overexposure to sunlight, stress, vitamin D deficiency and past infections are among the environmental factors.
Pointing out that the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis can be exacerbated by intense exercise or heat increase, Neurology Specialist Dr. Ezgi Yakupoğlu, however, pointed out that this does not mean that patients can never go out during the summer months and said, “Patients can continue their daily lives by avoiding extremely hot environments as much as possible, by taking precautions such as not going to the sauna or preferring the months when the heat is very intense during the holidays. Being in daily life is also important in the treatment of the disease, as it provides psychological support.” used the phrase.
Dr. Ezgi Yakupoğlu said that women with MS can also get pregnant. Yakupoğlu said, “MS, which is seen twice as often in women as in men due to some factors such as having different characteristics in terms of hormonal balance, develops especially in the reproductive age between the ages of 20-40. Therefore, one of the biggest concerns of women with MS is losing their chance to become a mother. Emphasizing that Multiple Sclerosis certainly does not prevent pregnancy and giving birth, patients can both give birth and breastfeed thanks to drugs that control disease activity. At this point, the main issue is that the patients make their pregnancy planning under the control of the neurologist who follows them. gave the information.
Stating that for a quality life, MS patients are given the necessary information about exercising regularly, eating healthy and not smoking. Ezgi Yakupoğlu continued his words as follows:
“However, the patient and the doctor must be in communication in terms of both the frequency and type of exercise. The most ideal exercise types for MS patients are aerobic exercises such as walking, swimming and cycling.” spoke.
Emphasizing that the majority of MS patients can continue their daily lives in the same way and can do their jobs easily, Neurology Specialist Dr. Ezgi Yakupoğlu said, "The important thing is to establish a trusting communication between the doctor and the patient and to make regular follow-ups."