DOHA: Multiple sclerosis affects about 64 in 100,000 Qataris and the incidence could be a bit higher in case of expatriates, according to a senior health expert.
Multiple sclerosis is a progressive disease where the body’s immune system attacks healthy nerve tissue, resulting in nerve damage that affects the body and causes vision, hearing, speech, breathing, balance, and coordination problems.
There is no cure for the condition, but treatment can help speedy recovery from attacks, manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.
“Epilepsy and multiple sclerosis are very prevalent conditions which need urgent attention. Multiple sclerosis is a disabling illness and treatment in the early stage is essential,” Dr Dirk Deleu, Head, Neurology Department, HMC, told the 10th Qatar Epilepsy and Multiple Sclerosis Symposium.
“Epilepsy is also a disabling condition which carries a potential risk of mortality and high morbidity. Proper diagnosis and management is crucial to prevent or reduce disability and improve the quality of life of people with these conditions,” he added.
The symposium was held to discuss the latest knowledge on the management of the conditions to promote excellence in neurology care and research in Qatar.
“The symposium supports ongoing development of regional knowledge and expertise in neurological sciences and promotes HMC’s agenda of providing patient care rooted in the most advanced research.
“We are pleased to be able to host a local and international panel of speakers, including leading clinicians and neuroscientists,” said Dr Boulenouar Mesraoua, Symposium Chairman and Senior Consultant Neurologist, HMC, and Associate Professor of Clinical Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College-Qatar.
Epilepsy is a non-communicable disorder of the nervous system that causes recurrent seizures. The condition affects about 65 million people worldwide and about one percent of Qatar’s population or 20,000 per two million people.
HMC has recently celebrated International Epilepsy Day with activities to raise awareness and encourage people with the condition to seek professional medical care.
According to Dr Deleu, the Neurology Department has completed a research on patterns, causes and effects of epilepsy in the population. Results are being analysed and will be presented at American Academy of Neurology in April.
The Peninsula
