Experts warn of growing burden of Multiple Sclerosis in Kashmir

Srinagar, Sep 15: Experts at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), during the weekly Grand Rounds expressed deep concern over the increasing burden of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in Kashmir.
The session highlighted 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, a statement reads.
Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune neurological disease leading to inflammation, nerve damage with symptoms like numbness, vision problems, and fatigue.
The Department of Neurology, SKIMS, under the clinical leadership of 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 also complementing national figures.
The session further discussed research on Interleukin-18 (IL-18), an inflammatory molecule implicated in MS. Findings from SKIMS indicate that IL-18 may play a role in disease development within the local population, contributing to the global understanding of this condition.
Prof. Asimi also emphasized the potential of advanced treatment options, including stem cell transplantation, as promising strategies not only for MS but also for other neurodegenerative disorders, with the aim of improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
Speaking on the occasion, Director SKIMS & EOSG, Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie, stressed the need for enhancing diagnostic and investigative profiles for rare neurological disorders.
He also underlined the importance of research on other debilitating conditions such as Motor Neuron Disease (MND), which affects younger populations and currently has no definitive cure. Prof. Ganie assured full institutional support for research in these critical areas and lauded the Department of Neurology for its commendable contributions, including publications in world-class journals.
The event concluded with a call for stronger participation in national registries, expanded collaborative research, and adoption of innovative therapies to address complex neurological diseases.
SKIMS Neurology continues to remain at the forefront of neurological care and research, bringing cutting-edge scientific advances closer to patients in the valley. (KNO)