By Amina Abdul Salam CAIRO, Oct 3, 2018 - Dr Magd Zakaria, Professor of Brain and Nerves, Ain Shams University, said that in the past few years Multiple Sclerosis (MS) treatments had not been available at the expense of the state or through the health insurance system. There was also no contact between the various parties dealing with people with MS. Now, however, the situation had changed for the better. In the last four years, there had been greater awareness of MS among physicians and patients. In addition, health units to treat MS had now become available at the various Egyptian university hospitals. These units examine the patients and supply treatment. In addition, there is a data base for patients with MS. Dr Zakaria was speaking during a press conference in Cairo to launch a new MS drug, Teriflunomide. Dr Mohamed el-Bahay, Professor of Brain and Nerves, Al-Azhar University, pointed out that the existence of a treatment to be taken by mouth helped the patients to avoid a number of complications that could affect their life. Teriflunomide, controls the development of the disease, is taken in tablet form once daily with or after food. Dr el-Bahay pointed out that MS comes in the shape of frequent seizures that may damage the Central Nervous System and may lead to many complications, such as vision problems and uncontrolled urination if the disease is not treated. He said that new research shows there is an increase of the disease among people between the ages of 20 and 40 years who represent a productive group in the society. More than 25,000 people are afflicted with MS in Egypt, he said, and this number is increasing. He stressed the importance of early detection of the disease and raising awareness of the disease among doctors and patients. Dr Maged Abdel Nasir, Professor of Brain and Nerves, Ain Shams University, said that prescribing treatment for the patient must be according to the condition of each individual patient. So, a new drug on the local market, Dr Abdel Nasir said, increased the available medications enabling doctors to select the most suitable treatment. Early diagnosis helps doctor to begin treatment early and, consequently, control the disease so as to avoid complications and prevent deterioration of the patient's condition. Dr Hani Aref, Professor of Brain and Nerves, said that the new treatment is taken by mouth and is easy for patients with MS to use. Most other therapies depend on injections. He said that avoiding taking treatment regularly deprived the patients of benefiting from the goals of treatment and could lead to partial or total disability after several years.
