Multiple Sclerosis Day in Russia Date in the current year: June 11, 2024

The term “sclerosis” refers to the stiffening of a tissue or anatomical feature. It usually occurs when the normal organ-specific tissue is replaced with connective tissue for some reason. Different types of sclerosis affect different tissues and organs, for example, atherosclerosis affects arteries, osteosclerosis affects bones, and multiple sclerosis affects the central nervous system.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic condition that involves damage to the myelin sheaths of nerve cells in the central nervous system (the brain and the spinal cord). The cause of the disease is unclear, but it is generally thought to be an autoimmune disorder in which myelin-producing cells are attacked and destroyed by the immune system.

The onset of symptoms usually begins between the ages of 20 and 50. The signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis may vary greatly depending on the part or parts of the nervous system affected by the disease. The most common initial neurological symptoms are changes in sensation, partial or complete loss of vision, weakness and fatigue, double vision, and difficulties with coordination and balance. New symptoms may occur in isolated attacks or build up over time.

The initial signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis are often mild, and a lot of people with multiple sclerosis seek medical attention only when the disease begins to progress as more parts of the nervous system becomes affected. This, as well as the fact that the signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis may be similar to those of other disorders, make it hard to diagnose.

Another problem with multiple sclerosis is that there’s no cure because no one knows what causes it, and curing a disease requires treating the underlying cause. Existing treatments aim to return function after relapses (unpredictable attacks), extend periods of remission, and prevent disability.

Although multiple sclerosis is not fatal, it reduces life expectancy by 5 to 10 years and affects the patients’ quality of life, so early diagnosis and proper management of the disease are very important. This includes educating people about multiple sclerosis and encouraging them to seek medical attention even when neurological signs and symptoms they experience seem insignificant.

Multiple Sclerosis Day in Russia has been celebrated annually since 2010. On June 11, medical schools, research institutions, and healthcare facilities and organizations hold conferences, seminars, lectures, forums, and other events. Some of these events aim to educate the public about multiple sclerosis, while others are specifically designed for professionals.

In addition to National Multiple Sclerosis Day in Russia and some other countries, there’s also World Multiple Sclerosis Day. Inaugurated by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation in 2009, it is observed annually on the last Wednesday of May.