Special session on yoga, multiple sclerosis held
Experts at the hospital spoke on the condition and its diagnosis, medication, rehabilitation, and wellness beyond medication that could help improve the quality of life.
The participants also learned about yoga therapy for neurological conditions. They were taught tools and practices to manage symptoms to empower them to live with multiple sclerosis.
The initiative aimed to promote holistic approaches to managing MS and improve the quality of life for individuals with the condition, said . 'The event provided a platform for persons with MS to connect with experts, learn new coping strategies, and find support,' Ann Gonsalvez, honorary secretary of MSSI, Chennai chapter, said.
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The Hindu
3 days ago
- The Hindu
Why multiple sclerosis remains under-diagnosed in India, and what needs to change
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News18
07-08-2025
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It Started With Her Reluctance To Get Intimate With Partner, Ended In Shocking Diagnosis
Last Updated: British woman Lian suddenly lost all desire for intimacy, along with fatigue and hearing loss. A medical diagnosis later revealed she had multiple sclerosis and FND Romance is often seen as the glue that keeps relationships strong, whether it's between a married couple or those simply in love. However, for one British couple, a sudden lack of intimacy sparked concern, confusion, and ultimately a life-changing discovery. Lian Jones, 42, had once shared a deeply passionate relationship with her partner Adam, 40. But things took a dramatic turn when she began losing interest in romance altogether. What started as a subtle shift soon became a complete lack of desire, and neither of them could understand why. 'I used to consider myself overly romantic," said Lian. 'But one day, everything just changed. I felt like an old person, tired, helpless, and emotionally numb." Her partner initially took it personally. 'Adam thought I didn't love him anymore," she said. 'No matter how much I tried, I couldn't bring back my old self." The couple, desperate for answers, decided to seek medical help and what they discovered was shocking. A Hidden Health Battle Along with her fading libido, Lian began experiencing extreme fatigue, partial hearing loss, and other physical symptoms. After consulting with doctors and undergoing an MRI scan, she was diagnosed with two neurological conditions: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). MS is a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, while FND disrupts communication between the brain and the body. 'The connection between my brain and body was breaking down," said Lian. 'And that connection is crucial for sensations like excitement, touch, and even orgasm." She added, 'For women especially, it's difficult, issues like pain, dryness, and lack of desire become daily battles." Stronger Together Despite the emotional and physical toll, Adam stood by Lian's side. 'There were moments I feared he might leave, but he always reminded me that we're a team," she shared. A turning point came when they met an MS neurologist who explained to Adam that the change wasn't emotional, but neurological. These Days Lian is using her story to spread awareness about how MS and related disorders can silently impact romantic relationships. Through social media, she has connected with many others facing similar struggles, especially men who felt abandoned without understanding the root cause. 'It's a very lonely and often invisible experience," she said. Though Lian now struggles with speaking, walking, and even vision, she's committed to living life positively and breaking the silence around chronic illness and intimacy. view comments Location : United Kingdom (UK) First Published: August 07, 2025, 12:35 IST News viral It Started With Her Reluctance To Get Intimate With Partner, Ended In Shocking Diagnosis Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
06-08-2025
- Time of India
Christina Applegate hospitalized: Inside her double kidney infection amid MS struggles (symptoms, risk factors, treatment)
Christina Applegate, the 53-year-old actress known for Dead to Me and Married… with Children, has been hospitalized in Los Angeles after a painful kidney infection spread to both kidneys. While visiting family in Europe, she began feeling unwell, then suffered excruciating pain during her return flight. She checked into a hospital immediately and underwent an emergency CT scan, which confirmed the infection. The painful crisis comes amid her ongoing battle with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic nerve condition she's openly shared since her diagnosis in 2021. What happened While visiting family in Europe, Applegate began feeling unwell. Rather than wait it out, she sought immediate care upon returning to Los Angeles. She described intense pain, sudden onset on her right flank, radiating from back to front, so severe she thought her appendix might burst. An emergency CT scan at 2 a.m. confirmed the diagnosis: a serious kidney infection that had spread from her right kidney to her left. Doctors initially suspected a urinary tract infection (UTI), but the CT revealed a deeper, more dangerous infection. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This new air conditioner cools down a room in just seconds News of the Discovery Undo What is MS and how it affects Applegate's health Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord. In MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath, a protective covering of nerve fibers, causing inflammation and damage. This damage disrupts the communication between the brain and the rest of the body, leading to a wide range of neurological symptoms. To break it down a bit more… In MS, the body's immune system, which normally fights off infections, mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath that insulates nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. Central nervous system: The central nervous system (CNS) is comprised of the brain and spinal cord, which are crucial for controlling bodily functions and transmitting messages. Myelin damage: The myelin sheath acts like insulation on electrical wires, allowing nerve impulses to travel efficiently. When the myelin is damaged (demyelination), it disrupts the signals, causing a variety of neurological symptoms. Scar tissue formation: As the myelin is damaged, scar tissue (sclerosis) may form in the CNS, further interfering with nerve signal transmission. MS is unpredictable, and symptoms can fluctuate over time, with periods of relapse (worsening of symptoms) and remission (improvement). Applegate, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2021, has shared that MS has caused more than 30 hospital stays due to gut motility issues, vomiting, and diarrhea. MS can slow down organ function, including the bladder and kidneys, raising the risk of UTIs and serious infections. When the immune system is stressed and nerve communication is impaired, fighting infections becomes harder, a major concern for Applegate. Symptoms of MS Multiple Sclerosis (MS) symptoms vary widely but can include vision problems, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness and spasms, fatigue, cognitive changes, and bowel or bladder dysfunction. Symptoms can fluctuate and are often worse with heat or fever, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke . Common symptoms include: Vision problems: Blurred or double vision, optic neuritis (painful vision loss), color distortion. Numbness and tingling: Can occur in the limbs, face, or other areas. Muscle weakness and spasms: Can affect walking, standing, and overall mobility. Fatigue: Can be debilitating and persistent. Cognitive changes: Problems with concentration, memory, and decision-making. Bowel and bladder dysfunction: Incontinence or difficulty with urination and bowel movements. Pain: Can include sharp, shooting pains or muscle spasms. Speech problems: Slurred speech or difficulty speaking clearly. Dizziness and balance problems: Can affect coordination and gait. Depression: Can be a common symptom or a secondary consequence. Sexual problems: Difficulty with arousal or maintaining an erection in men and decreased enjoyment in both men and women. MS symptoms can be relapsing-remitting (periods of relapse and remission) or primary progressive (gradual worsening). It's important to note that these symptoms can be similar to other neurological conditions, so a proper diagnosis is crucial. Risk factors Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a complex disease influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Key risk factors include age, sex, family history, certain infections, race, climate, vitamin D levels, obesity, smoking, and potentially the gut microbiome. Let's take a detailed look: Age: Onset typically occurs between 20 and 40 years of age, though it can occur at any age. Sex: Women are 2 to 3 times more likely than men to develop relapsing-remitting MS. Family history: Having a first-degree relative with MS increases the risk of developing the disease. Certain infections: Exposure to viruses like Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a strong risk factor. Race: People of white (particularly Northern European) descent have a higher risk. Climate: MS is more common in regions with temperate climates (further from the equator). Vitamin D: Low levels of vitamin D and limited sun exposure are associated with increased risk. Obesity: Obesity, especially in childhood, is a risk factor. Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of developing MS and can worsen the disease. Gut microbiome: Individuals with MS may have a different gut microbiome composition. Moreover, having other autoimmune conditions can slightly increase MS risk. Treatment Since there is no cure for the disease yet, treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) focuses on managing symptoms, slowing disease progression, and improving quality of life. Treatment approaches include disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) to reduce relapses and slow progression, medications for specific symptoms, and rehabilitation therapies. Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs): Injectable medications: These include interferon-beta and glatiramer acetate. Oral medications: Examples include dimethyl fumarate, fingolimod, teriflunomide, and siponimod. Infusion therapies: Examples include natalizumab, ocrelizumab, and alemtuzumab. Treating relapses: Corticosteroids: Intravenous or oral corticosteroids can be used to reduce inflammation and shorten the duration of relapses. Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis): This is an option when corticosteroids are not effective. Symptom management: Muscle relaxants: To reduce muscle stiffness and spasms (e.g., baclofen, tizanidine). Fatigue management: Exercise, healthy sleep patterns, and avoiding medications that worsen fatigue. Pain management: Various medications like amitriptyline, pregabalin, and gabapentin. Bladder and bowel problems: Medications and other therapies to manage these symptoms. Cognitive and emotional issues: Medications and therapies to address depression, anxiety, and cognitive problems. Rehabilitation therapies: Physical therapy: To improve mobility, balance, and coordination. Occupational therapy: To help with daily living activities and adaptive equipment. Speech therapy: For communication and swallowing difficulties. Some other considerations: Stem cell transplant: This is a more intensive treatment option for some individuals, involving the removal, treatment, and replacement of a person's own cells to reset the immune system, according to Mass General Brigham . Nutritional counseling: To support overall health and well-being. Multidisciplinary approach: Working with a team of healthcare professionals, including neurologists, physical therapists, and other specialists, is essential for comprehensive care. In the case of Applegate, the actress has reportedly been receiving intravenous antibiotics (IV) around the clock, which is standard for bilateral kidney infections. She remained hospitalized for a week, undergoing extensive testing to ensure a correct diagnosis and rule out other conditions. Her goal: exhaustive testing until she fully understands what's triggering her intense pain and symptoms.
