The program included defining the disease and its symptoms, diagnosis and psychological aspects with the participation of a group of neurology consultants and specialists and the Saudi Society of Internal Medicine as well as a large number of MS patients.
The Chairman of the Organizing Committee - Associate Dean, Faculty of Medicine – KSAU-HS and the head of the Neurology Department, - KAMC- J, Dr. Hussein Al-Qahtani pointed out that the MS disease has become very common, and studies have shown a significant increase of MS patients in the Arab countries in recent years, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at a rate between 30 to 40 people per 100,000.
MS is a chronic inflammation that affects the membrane of melanin in the central nervous system consisting of the brain, the cerebellum, the brainstem and the spinal cord. Its symptoms are shown in the form of relapsing and remitting and the patient may experience cramping, fatigue, exhaustion, visual, motor, and sensory problems or uncontrolled urination.
Nowadays, there are some drugs and medications to control the symptoms and even be able to stop the progression of the disease.. The disease has no single cause, it might occur as a result of genetics, or unknown environmental factors; furthermore, first-degree relatives of people with MS are more prone to have MS as well.
In addition, Dr. Al-Qahtani pointed out that accurate and advanced diagnosis and treatment are available throughout the Kingdom's hospitals, which include analysis of cerebrospinal fluid and brain and spinal MRIs. Other drugs and therapies are also available to minimize the occurrence of seizures or new symptoms.
Finally, an interview with Mr. Fahad Qattan, an MS patient who is being treated in King Abdulaziz Medical City and through following the doctor’s orders and taking the medications, he was able to live his life normally compelling him to raise awareness on this disease.