Multiple sclerosis is the 'culprit' that causes disability in young people, but is easily forgotten

Multiple sclerosis is the leading cause of disability in young people. The disease progresses silently with severe relapses, causing the patient to gradually lose vital functions and become permanently disabled if not treated promptly.

MSc. Hoang Tien Trong Nghia - Head of Department of Neurology, Military Hospital 175 - Photo: Provided by the hospital

On November 15, Military Hospital 175 ( Ministry of National Defense ) organized a health education program for the community with the theme: "Early identification - Correct treatment: For a better life for people with multiple sclerosis".

MSc. Hoang Tien Trong Nghia - Head of the Department of Neurology, Military Hospital 175 - said that currently, it is estimated that about 2.8 million people in the world are living with multiple sclerosis. For every 3,000 people, 1 person will have the disease, meaning the disease is not too rare.

Between 2013 and 2020, studies recorded an additional 500,000 new cases discovered. What is remarkable is that the number of MS cases increased in all regions, not just one continent or population group.

Dr. Nghia said that Vietnam has not yet had any full statistics published, which may reflect the extent to which the disease is not receiving attention.

It is worth mentioning that multiple sclerosis is the leading cause of disability in young people. The disease progresses silently with severe relapses, causing the patient to gradually lose vital functions and become permanently disabled if not treated promptly.

The disease mainly affects young people, with diagnosis age ranging from 18 to 40 years. Women are more likely to get the disease than men.

"The disease is easily overlooked when the symptoms are mild and progress slowly. Some patients come to the hospital when they are paralyzed in both lower limbs or can no longer control their urination. Many others only have slight numbness on one side of the face or hand and always think it is due to sleeping in the wrong position or overwork, so they do not go to the doctor," said Dr. Nghia.

Doctor Huynh Thi Nhu Y - Department of Neurology, Military Hospital 175 - shared that autoimmune neurological diseases are becoming more and more common, especially in young people such as: multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica, autoimmune encephalitis...

The cause is not completely clear, but it may be related to genes, although there is no genetic evidence, some people have genes that are susceptible to immune disorders. Stimulants, viral infections, bacteria, stress, or hormonal changes, environment.

In addition, tumors and cancers cause the body to create antibodies that attack cancer cells but also attack healthy cells of the nervous system. Immune dysregulation: the body cannot distinguish between "friends and enemies".

Warning signs that require immediate medical attention include: blurred vision in one eye for several days or weeks, double vision, weakness in the arms or legs that is so severe that you cannot lift them or walk, numbness and loss of sensation from the neck down, easy falls, staggering, persistent hiccups, difficulty urinating or difficulty urinating. All of these signs are related to the nervous system, never due to anxiety or depression.

Doctors advise that not all cases are multiple sclerosis, but early diagnosis helps rule out dangerous diseases and prompt treatment if it is multiple sclerosis.

"No matter what stage of the disease you are in, perseverance and optimism are the most important factors. Multiple sclerosis can be completely controlled if treated properly and adequately. Patients can still live, study and work normally," Dr. Nghia emphasized.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/benh-xo-cung-rai-rac-la-thu-pham-khien-nguoi-tre-bi-tan-phe-nhung-de-bi-bo-quen-202511151128464.htm