Srinagar, Sep 15 (JKNS): Medical experts at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) on Saturday expressed concern over the growing burden of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in Kashmir, stressing the importance of early recognition, timely diagnosis, and advanced treatment to reduce disability among patients.
The Department of Neurology, led by Prof. (Dr.) Ravouf Asimi, Head of Department, as per news agency JKNS organized the weekly Grand Round on the theme “From Clinical Patterns to Cytokine Pathways: Multiple Sclerosis, its Differentials, and the Role of IL-18.” Experts pointed out that MS significantly affects young individuals, especially women, and remains a major challenge in neurological healthcare.
Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and damage to the nervous system, with symptoms ranging from numbness and fatigue to vision problems and mobility issues.
The event also highlighted SKIMS’ contribution to the Indian Multiple Sclerosis Registry and Network (IMSRN), a nationwide database mapping MS trends. Data from Kashmir has provided crucial insights for both regional and national statistics.
Research findings presented during the session showed the role of Interleukin-18 (IL-18), an inflammatory molecule, in the progression of MS. Prof. Asimi noted that such studies could pave the way for advanced therapies, including stem cell transplantation, which may prove beneficial not only for MS but also for other degenerative conditions.
Director SKIMS & EOSG, Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie, stressed the need to strengthen diagnostic facilities for rare neurological disorders. He also emphasized urgent research into conditions like Motor Neuron Disease (MND), which impacts younger populations and currently lacks a cure. He assured institutional support for expanding research and praised the Neurology Department’s contributions through publications in reputed international journals.
The session concluded with a call for greater participation in national registries, collaborative research initiatives, and adoption of innovative treatment methods to address the rising burden of neurological diseases in the valley. (JKNS)
