Doctors Warn of Disability Risks from Neglected Multiple Sclerosis
The Taiwan Neuroimmunology Society warns that Multiple Sclerosis (MS) requires early detection. Common in women aged 20-40, symptoms include blurred vision and numbness. Without early intervention via MRI and DMTs, it can lead to irreversible disability.
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- 📰 Published: May 27, 2026 at 15:32
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Central News Agency, Taipei, May 27. Difficulty focusing, ineffective glasses, and unexplained numbness in limbs may be early warning signs of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), doctors warn. If the autoimmune system attacks the myelin sheath, it can lead to irreversible disability without early intervention.
Yeh Chien-hung, chairman of the Taiwan Neuroimmunology Society, stated that MS is one of the hardest diseases to diagnose early due to its diverse symptoms. It is most common in adults aged 20-40, with women at 2-3 times higher risk than men. It is an autoimmune disorder where the brain's neural circuits effectively 'short-circuit.'
Yeh explained that the myelin sheath acts as insulation for nerves. Once damaged, signal transmission is blocked, causing various functional abnormalities. Depending on where the attack occurs, symptoms vary from blurred vision to limb numbness.
In the early stages, patients often experience cycles of relapse and remission. Patients may mistake the disappearance of symptoms for recovery, but the brain continues to suffer from 'smoldering' inflammation. International literature shows that untreated MS patients experience brain atrophy 3-5 times faster than the general population. Yeh warned that central nervous system cells do not regenerate; failing to treat the inflammation can lead to permanent necrosis of motor nerves, potentially resulting in wheelchair dependency or bedridden status within 10-15 years, and a lifespan reduction of 7-14 years.
Dr. Chang Kuo-hsuan of Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital listed seven early warning signs: sudden blurred vision or eye pain, intense numbness, muscle weakness, frequent tripping, persistent fatigue, brain fog, and urinary urgency. Chang advised that while occasional numbness is not cause for panic, symptoms lasting over 24 hours warrant a visit to a neurologist for an MRI.
Currently, Taiwan offers various treatments, including injections, oral medications, and targeted therapies. Clinical data shows that early diagnosis and active treatment significantly reduce relapse rates and protect nerves from further damage.
Yeh Chien-hung, chairman of the Taiwan Neuroimmunology Society, stated that MS is one of the hardest diseases to diagnose early due to its diverse symptoms. It is most common in adults aged 20-40, with women at 2-3 times higher risk than men. It is an autoimmune disorder where the brain's neural circuits effectively 'short-circuit.'
Yeh explained that the myelin sheath acts as insulation for nerves. Once damaged, signal transmission is blocked, causing various functional abnormalities. Depending on where the attack occurs, symptoms vary from blurred vision to limb numbness.
In the early stages, patients often experience cycles of relapse and remission. Patients may mistake the disappearance of symptoms for recovery, but the brain continues to suffer from 'smoldering' inflammation. International literature shows that untreated MS patients experience brain atrophy 3-5 times faster than the general population. Yeh warned that central nervous system cells do not regenerate; failing to treat the inflammation can lead to permanent necrosis of motor nerves, potentially resulting in wheelchair dependency or bedridden status within 10-15 years, and a lifespan reduction of 7-14 years.
Dr. Chang Kuo-hsuan of Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital listed seven early warning signs: sudden blurred vision or eye pain, intense numbness, muscle weakness, frequent tripping, persistent fatigue, brain fog, and urinary urgency. Chang advised that while occasional numbness is not cause for panic, symptoms lasting over 24 hours warrant a visit to a neurologist for an MRI.
Currently, Taiwan offers various treatments, including injections, oral medications, and targeted therapies. Clinical data shows that early diagnosis and active treatment significantly reduce relapse rates and protect nerves from further damage.
FAQ
Which department should I visit for MS in Taiwan?
Please visit the Neurology department.