Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
🧠 Multiple Sclerosis Guide (Hong Kong Edition)
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). The immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath, the outer layer of nerve fibers, causing destruction (demyelination) and disrupting nerve signal transmission. According to the Hong Kong Hospital Authority and international data, MS is a rare disease in Hong Kong, but its incidence has been increasing in recent years, particularly among young women.
I once interviewed a MS patient in his thirties. He said that when he first developed the condition, he thought it was optic neuritis, with blurred vision and numbness in his legs. An MRI later confirmed the diagnosis. This demonstrates the importance of early identification and treatment .
1️⃣ Causes and risk factors
The exact cause is unknown, but it is speculated to be related to the following:
- Autoimmune reaction
- Genetic predisposition (familial cases)
- Environmental factors (low vitamin D levels, living far from the equator)
- History of viral infection (Epstein-Barr virus)
- Women (about 2-3 times more likely than men)
2️⃣ Main symptoms
Depending on the nerve area affected, common symptoms include:
- Blurred vision or loss of vision (usually in one eye)
- Numbness, tingling, and weakness in your limbs
- Balance and coordination disorders
- difficulty walking
- Slurred speech
- Fatigue and memory loss
- Abnormal bladder or bowel function
The course of the disease can be divided into:
- Relapsing-remitting syndrome (RRMS) : The most common, with symptoms that come and go
- Secondary progressive MS (SPMS)
- Primary progressive myelopathy (PPMS)
3️⃣ Common treatment methods in Hong Kong
💊 Acute attack treatment
-
High-dose intravenous steroids (Methylprednisolone)
- Anti-inflammatory, reducing immune attack
🛡 Disease-Modifying Therapies (DMTs)
The goal is to reduce the number of relapses and slow the progression of disability:
- Injection: Interferon-beta, Glatiramer acetate
- Oral medications: Fingolimod, Dimethyl fumarate, Teriflunomide
- Intravenous infusion: Natalizumab, Ocrelizumab
- Some drugs in Hong Kong are included in the drug list of public hospitals, but most of the new generation drugs are self-funded or subject to special subsidy schemes.
🔬 Symptomatic treatment
- muscle relaxants (to reduce spasticity)
- Pain relievers (neuralgia)
- antidepressants
🏃♂️ Rehabilitation
- Physical therapy: improving gait and balance
- Occupational therapy: maintaining independence
- Cognitive training: Coping with memory loss
4️⃣ Editor’s Tips (for patients in Hong Kong)
- Monitor your vitamin D levels (your doctor may recommend supplements)
- Avoid excessive heat (high temperatures can worsen symptoms)
- Exercise regularly but avoid excessive fatigue
- Join the Hong Kong Multiple Sclerosis Society and get support from fellow patients
Disclaimer : This article is for reference only and does not constitute any medical advice. The source is referenced from major medical articles.
