Some habits are important to help control symptoms and reduce the impact of the disease on a daily basis.
EdiCase Editorial
May 30th is World Multiple Sclerosis Day, a chronic, inflammatory and autoimmune neurological condition that affects the central nervous system and can compromise the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves of patients. Although it is still considered to have a low prevalence in Brazil, it has a great functional and social impact, especially among women and young adults.
According to the Brazilian Multiple Sclerosis Association (ABEM), around 40 thousand Brazilians currently live with the disease. The systematic review “Prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Brazil: An updated systematic review with meta-analysis”published in 2025 in the scientific journal Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery, estimated a pooled prevalence of 14.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the country, with regional variations between 4.5 and 30.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
The exact cause of the disease is not yet fully known, but it is believed to arise from a combination of different factors. These include genetic predisposition, changes in the immune system, environmental factors, low levels of vitamin D, smoking, obesity and previous viral infections, especially related to some common viruses.
Main warning signs of multiple sclerosis
According to neurologist João Dib, from Hospital Samaritano Barra, from Rede Américas, identify the signs early and maintaining continuous care are fundamental measures to slow the progression of multiple sclerosis and preserve quality of life.
“Multiple sclerosis can cause varied symptoms, such as visual changes, numbness, intense fatigue, cognitive and emotional changes. They often appear in outbreaks, alternating periods of worsening and improvement. Among the main warning signs are optic neuritis, tingling, muscle weakness, imbalance, pain, urinary changes and persistent fatigue”, he explains.
Some precautions are important for patients with multiple sclerosis, as they can help control symptoms, reduce impacts on daily life and maintain quality of life. See the main ones:
- Maintain regular follow-up with the neurologist: frequent monitoring of the condition makes it possible to evaluate the evolution of the neurological condition, adjust therapies and identify new outbreaks or lesions early.
- Follow the treatment correctly: a constancy in the use of medications Disease modifiers are considered one of the main strategies for reducing inflammation, flare-ups and future disability.
- Practice supervised physical activities: Guided physical exercises can help control fatigue, balance, mobility and quality of life for patients.
- Prioritize healthy habits: adequate sleep, a balanced diet, stress control and smoking cessation help with general well-being and can reduce the impacts of symptoms.
- Taking care of mental health: Anxiety and depression are common in patients with multiple sclerosis. THE psychological support and multidisciplinary monitoring are part of the treatment.
Early diagnosis can avoid sequelae
João Dib explains that time is a decisive factor in multiple sclerosis, highlighting that treatment must be individualized and involve a multidisciplinary team, including physiotherapy, nursing, speech therapy and psychological support. “Delay in diagnosis can lead to the accumulation of injuries and disabilities. In multiple sclerosis, time is brain, spinal cord and vision”, he warns.
The diagnosis of multiple sclerosis is made through a combination of clinical evaluation, medical history, neurological examination and complementary tests, as there is no single test capable of confirming the disease. The doctor evaluates the symptoms presented, how frequently they occur and whether there are signs of damage to different parts of the nervous system over time.
By Monique Dutra