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Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disorder that usually affects young adults in their reproductive years mostly between 20 and 40 resulting in neurological symptoms that may cause a major disability. The disease involves demyelination, inflammation and degeneration of the neurons causing pain, paraesthesia and other neurological symptoms. The diagnosis is usually made by a physician using criteria for diagnosis. The rates of prevalence and incidence of MS has been increasing in the last decade, this can be multifactorial. In the middle east, it has a high prevalence reported in the literature. MS has no known etiology, but risk factors include, family history, young age, vitamin D deficiency, and fast food consumption. Consumption of coffee was found to be protective from MS, where the incidence was lower in those who drink coffee daily. The awareness regarding MS in Saudi Arabia is low among the affected individuals and the general population, while good knowledge and awareness are necessary for a better management of the disease. The society knows little about MS and more attention should be paid to the condition for a better prevention and an educated society. Key words: Multiple sclerosis – epidemiology – awareness – risk factors – Saudi Arabia. |
