Multiple Sclerosis

What is multiple sclerosis?

Have you ever seen someone who used to be very active but suddenly starts having trouble walking, experiences blurred vision, or gets tired all the time? It might not just be stress or aging, this could be a sign of a condition called Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

MS is a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, making it difficult for the body to send and receive signals properly. While many Africans may not be familiar with MS, it is a real and serious health issue that affects people worldwide, including on our continent. Unfortunately, due to a lack of awareness, some people may mistake MS symptoms for spiritual attacks or witchcraft, delaying treatment and making the condition worse.

Although MS is more common in Europe and North America, cases in Africa are increasing, and many remain undiagnosed. Research suggests that MS is more common in North and South Africa than in west and central Africa. But with better awareness, we can identify and manage it early to improve quality of life.

How common is MS in Africa?

Many Africans are unaware of MS because it is not widely discussed, but that does not mean it does not exist. Studies show that the disease is more frequently reported in countries like Morocco, Tunisia, and South Africa. In West Africa, MS is rarer but still present.

Since MS symptoms can look like other diseases such as stroke, malaria, or even arthritis, many cases go undiagnosed. Without proper diagnosis, people may not get the right treatment, leading to severe disability over time.

What causes MS?

Doctors and scientists still do not know exactly what causes MS, but some factors increase the risk of getting it:

  • Family history: If a close relative (parent, sibling) has MS, your chances of getting it are higher.
  • Obesity: Being overweight, especially during adolescence, increases the risk.
  • Certain infections: Viruses such as Epstein Barr virus (EBV) have been linked to MS.
  • Smoking: People who smoke have a higher risk of developing MS.
  • Other autoimmune diseases: If you have conditions like type 1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, your risk is higher.

Symptoms of MS?

MS does not affect everyone in the same way. Some people may have mild symptoms, while others may become disabled over time. Common symptoms include:

Fatigue (extreme tiredness)

  • About 80% of people with MS feel extremely tired, making it hard to work or even do simple tasks like cooking or walking.

Difficulty walking

  • MS can cause numbness or weakness in the legs, balance problems, or muscle stiffness, making it hard to walk properly.
  • Some people may need a walking aid over time.

Vision problems

  • Blurred or double vision.
  • Sudden loss of vision in one eye.
  • Pain when moving the eye.

Speech and swallowing problems

  • Slurred speech or difficulty finding the right words.
  • Difficulty swallowing food properly.

Other symptoms

  • Pain or tingling sensations.
  • Difficulty concentrating or remembering things.
  • Sleep disturbances.
  • Bladder problems.

How is MS diagnosed?

Since MS shares symptoms with many other diseases, doctors use several tests to diagnose it:

  • MRI scan: A special scan to check for brain and spinal cord damage.
  • Optical coherence tomography (OCT): A test to check for nerve damage in the eyes.
  • Spinal tap (Lumbar puncture): A test that checks fluid from the spine for signs of MS.
  • Blood Tests: To rule out other diseases with similar symptoms.

Treatment and management of MS?

There is no cure for MS, but treatment can help manage symptoms and slow its progression. Treatments include:

  • Medications: Some medicines help reduce relapses (when symptoms get worse for a period before improving again).
  • Physical therapy: Helps people strengthen muscles and improve balance.
  • Lifestyle changes: A healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management can make life easier for people with MS.

How can we raise awareness about MS in Africa?

  • Education: People need to know that MS exists so they can seek treatment early.
  • More research: Scientists need to study MS in Africa to understand how it affects different populations.
  • Support groups: MS patients and families should share experiences to help each other cope.
  • Better access to healthcare: More hospitals should have neurologists who can diagnose and treat MS.