Ohio leads nation in MS cases

Two-hundred Americans are diagnosed each week with multiple sclerosis, joining the 400,000 already living with the debilitating disease. There are 20,000 people with MS in Ohio alone, more than any other state, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Its no wonder doctors such as Union Hospitals Alok Bhagat have their hands full. He sees 150 to 200 local MS patients each year. The disabling disease attacks the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. People living with MS may experience numbness in the limbs, chronic fatigue or more severe symptoms such as paralysis and loss of vision.

There is no known cure for multiple sclerosis, Bhagat said.

But there are more treatment options available to patients, as Bhagat shared during a lecture Thursday in the hospital auditorium. His lecture focused on early diagnoses of the disease, where most advancements can be used to help patients.

Bhagat said people experiencing symptoms such as numbness and fatigue should see their family physician. If the symptoms cant be explained by

simple causes, patients likely will be referred to a neurologist.

He said the best thing a patient can do is try to stay physically fit by maintaining a healthy weight. Treatment for patients varies because the effects of the disease differ from patient to patient, Bhagat said. Oftentimes, treatment is determined by the patient, the family and the doctor.

In olden days, youd say Whatever you say, Doc. That just doesnt happen anymore, Bhagat said.

There are new oral treatments available to help minimize symptoms as well as injections, he said.

Bhagat said the majority of people suffering from MS are women, often exhibiting signs of the disease in their early to mid 20s. However it can impact men and women alike. Many arent diagnosed until much later in life.

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Ohio leads nation in MS cases