Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Sept 15: Experts at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, today flagged the rising burden of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in Kashmir.
During the weekly Grand Rounds held at the institute, specialists stressed the importance of early recognition of MS, its significant impact on young people-particularly women-and the urgent need for timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent repeated episodes of disability.
Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune neurological disease that causes inflammation and nerve damage, leading to symptoms such as numbness, vision problems, and fatigue, doctors said.
The Department of Neurology, SKIMS, under Prof. (Dr.) Ravouf Asimi, Head of the Department of Neurology, conducted the Grand Round on the theme “From Clinical Patterns to Cytokine Pathways: Multiple Sclerosis, its Differentials, and the Role of IL-18.”
A key highlight of the event was SKIMS’ contribution to the Indian Multiple Sclerosis Registry and Network (IMSRN), a national database mapping MS across India.
Data contributed by SKIMS has provided valuable insights into MS trends in Kashmir while complementing national figures.
The session also discussed research on Interleukin-18 (IL-18), an inflammatory molecule implicated in MS.
Findings from SKIMS suggest that IL-18 may play a role in disease development within the local population, thereby contributing to the global understanding of this condition.
Speaking on the occasion, Director SKIMS, Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie, called for enhancing diagnostic and investigative capabilities for rare neurological disorders.
Experts on the occasion called for stronger participation in national registries, expanded collaborative research, and adoption of innovative therapies to address complex neurological diseases.
The post SKIMS flags rising Multiple Sclerosis cases in Kashmir appeared first on Daily Excelsior.