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The Vice Rector of Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) and President of the Turkish Neurology Association, Prof. Dr. Murat Terzi, emphasized the significance of early diagnosis and treatment in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), stating, "The earlier we diagnose and treat MS, the more effectively we can prevent the disease. There are various drugs that act on the immune system, including injectables, oral medications, and intravenous treatments, which we administer to our patients to prevent the progression of the disease."
Prof. Terzi noted that MS, a disease affecting the central nervous system, is commonly seen in women aged between 20-40. He mentioned that there are approximately 60,000 MS patients in Turkey, with around 10,000 in the Central Black Sea region, and nearly 5,000 of these patients are under observation at OMU.
Terzi described the symptoms of MS, including vision loss, imbalance, double vision, and weakness in arms and legs. "Patients presenting with these symptoms are initially examined. MRI scans of both the brain and spinal cord are crucial for us. We establish a diagnosis after a clearer understanding through blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples," he said.
Emphasizing the unknown exact cause of MS, Terzi mentioned, "We see MS in one out of every ten families. There's a noticeable pattern among cousins, but parent-child or sibling cases are rare, and even rarer are father-child cases. We can't say it's purely genetic. Environmental factors, particularly Vitamin D deficiency, certain airborne microbes, stress, and traumas can trigger the disease."
Highlighting the importance of early diagnosis in MS, Terzi stated, "We have patients dependent on wheelchairs and crutches. The earlier we diagnose and treat MS, the more we can prevent the disease. There are effective drugs acting on the immune system, in the forms of injections, pills, and intravenous treatments, which prevent disease progression and the occurrence of attacks, hence reducing disability in patients."
Terzi stressed the importance of regular monitoring, as crucial as early diagnosis and treatment, adding, "After diagnosis, patients should be regularly monitored at relevant clinics and take their medications as consistently as possible. Nutrition is essential for MS patients. We advise them to limit salt intake, consume plenty of water, and adopt a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits and vegetables. We also encourage regular exercise like Pilates, aerobic exercises, swimming, and walking. Still, they should rest when tired, as excessive sports and exercise can negatively affect the immune system and worsen the disease."
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