Multiple Sclerosis and related disorders Division

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This Division caters to the care of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and other related acquired demyelinating disorders of brain like neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). These diseases occur predominantly in young adults. MS and NMO typically produce recurrent neurological deficits and need active monitoring and timely management to prevent disability.

Burden of disease:

Multiple sclerosis

MS is a neurological illness characterized by recurrent episodes of demyelination (loss of myelin coating of the nerve fibers producing inflammatory ‘plaques’) affecting multiple areas of the brain, optic nerve and spinal cord. The resultant damage produces clinical symptoms which are often reversible in the early stages of the disease. This field is a focus of tremendous research and therapeutic trials with lot of new molecules becoming available for treatment.

MS was previously considered a disease of the Western population. However, recent figures show a significant increase in the number of cases being reported from India. Over the last three decades, the estimated prevalence of the illness has increased manifold to 3-20 per 100,000 population.

Neuromyelitis optica

MO is another recurring illness the incidence of which is high among the Indian population. This disease usually produces severe weakness or visual blurring and often requires aggressive treatment and long term medications.

Services:

Multiple Sclerosis Clinic

The Multiple Sclerosis Clinic was inaugurated in SCTIMST on 22 September 2015 with the aim of streamlining the management of MS. The MS clinic provides focussed and systematic multidisciplinary care for patients with MS and related disorders. In addition, we aim to establish management protocols, pioneer MS related research activities, and build patient support groups in the long term.

The MS clinic functions on second Tuesday of every month from 10 am to 1 pm. We can accommodate 2 – 3 new registrations and upto 10 review cases in each clinic. The new registrations can be made through telephonic booking or via the SCTIMST website. The reviews will be directed from the general neurology outpatient departments as per usual procedure.

New patients with diagnosed or suspected MS can also be referred to the General Neurology outpatient clinics on all week days with a proper referral letter. They will be later directed to the focussed clinic for follow up.

Inauguration of the MS Clinic by the Hon. Director Dr Asha Kishore on 22 September 2015

Expertise in SCTIMST

The Department of Neurology in SCTIMST has been providing care to patients with MS and related central nervous system demyelinating disorders since last two decades. Our senior faculty have gained extensive experience in this field and are currently collaborating with international study groups in MS related research. The department is presently holding a drug trial in relapsing remitting MS as per GCP guidelines. The site is also certified for the use of Natalizumab therapy in MS.

Faculty in charge:

• Dr Sruthi S Nair, Assistant Professor of Neurology

Contact details:

To book an appointment, contact 0471-2524621