Multiple sclerosis (MS), an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system with symptoms ranging from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis,1 is estimated to affect 2.8 million people around the world.2 Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50 years, with at least two to three times more women than men being diagnosed with the disease.1
Non Smit, Chairperson of Multiple Sclerosis South Africa, stresses the importance of generating extensive awareness to reach individuals with MS as well as healthcare providers and therapists. “This inclusive approach aims to establish a support system and platform that addresses crucial issues such as treatment accessibility, advocacy, epidemiology, and financial assistance,” says Smit.
The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted; the disease varies greatly from person to person, and from time to time in the same person.1 Although MS can be very debilitating, it is estimated that about two-thirds of affected persons are still able to walk, although many may need an aid such as a cane or crutches.1
Dr Andile Mhlongo, Medical Advisor, Specialty Care at Sanofi South Africa, says: “There are no hard and fast rules about what life with MS will mean for each patient, because everybody experiences MS differently, depending on which part of the brain is affected. Symptoms range from problems with mobility to problems with vision, extreme tiredness and thinking – but these are just a few examples. It mostly affects young people, and if untreated can have a devasting impact on the lives of patients and their families.”
In terms of diagnosis, in early MS elusive symptoms that come and go might indicate any number of possible disorders. Some people have symptoms that are very difficult to interpret. While no single laboratory test is yet available to prove or rule out MS, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a great help in reaching a definitive diagnosis.2
MS comes in several forms, including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting MS, secondary progressive MS and primary progressive MS.3 The course is difficult to predict: some people may feel and seem healthy for many years after diagnosis, while others may be severely debilitated very quickly. Most people fit somewhere in-between.3
Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) is the first episode of neurological symptoms experienced by a person, lasting at least 24 hours. They may experience a single sign or symptom, or more than one at the same time. CIS is an early sign of MS, but not everyone who experiences CIS goes on to develop MS.3
In relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) people experience attacks or exacerbations of symptoms, which then fade or disappear. The symptoms may be new, or existing ones that become more severe. About 85% of people with MS are initially diagnosed with RRMS.3
Secondary progressive MS (SPMS) is a secondary phase that may develop years or even decades after diagnosis with RRMS. Most people who have RRMS will transition to SPMS, with progressive worsening of symptoms and no definite periods of remission.3
Primary progressive MS (PPMS) is diagnosed in about 10–15% of people with MS. They have steadily worsening symptoms and disability from the start, rather than sudden attacks or relapses followed by recovery.3
While there is no medicine that can cure MS, treatments are available which can modify the course of the disease. Sanofi has been a partner in the MS community since 2012, through the introduction of two treatments. One of these is an oral formulation for patients with relapsing forms of MS and the other is an infusion therapy for patients with rapidly evolving, severe relapsing-remitting MS.
“Sanofi continues to be a partner through research and development to bring about therapies to improve the management of this disease. Sanofi also supports various initiatives that bring education to patients and healthcare providers and the MS community in general,” says Mhlongo.
Advances in treating and understanding MS are being achieved daily and progress in research to find a cure is encouraging. In addition, many therapeutic and technological advances are helping people with MS to manage symptoms and lead more productive lives.2
For further information on MS, visit: https://www.sanofi.com/en/our-science/rd-focus-areas/neurology-rd or https://www.multiplesclerosis.co.za
References
- Multiple Sclerosis SA. What is multiple sclerosis? Available from: https://www.multiplesclerosis.co.za/ms-information/what-is-ms, accessed 29 May 2023.
- MS International Federation. About World MS Day. Available from: https://worldmsday.org/about/, accessed 29 May 2023.
- MS International Federation. Types of MS. Available from: https://www.msif.org/about-ms/types-of-ms/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw4NujBhC5ARIsAF4Iv6fOHSQYim5KoJidw7_9ig8HBcC3FRKWBmXViloS6H-__GPuavAsTgoaAuJjEALw_wcB, accessed 31 May 2023.
