ICMR launches national registry to collect data, conduct research on multiple sclerosis

Source: The post is based on the article “ICMR launches national registry to collect data, conduct research on multiple sclerosis” published in Indian Express on 12th July 2022.

What is the News?

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Monday launched a National registry of multiple sclerosis(MS) and the Indian Multiple Sclerosis and Allied Demyelinating Disorders Registry and Research Network(IMSRN).

What is the National Registry of Multiple Sclerosis(MS)?

The registry will create an organized system for data collection, storage, retrieval, analysis, management and outcomes.

What is the Indian Multiple Sclerosis and Allied Demyelinating Disorders Registry and Research Network(IMSRN)?

The IMSRN was started in October 2021 with AIIMS New Delhi as the national coordinating centre.

It is the first Indian nationwide dedicated database research network for Multiple Sclerosis(MS) and allied demyelinating disorders.

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease affecting the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). 

It occurs when the immune system attacks the nerve fibres and myelin sheathing (a fatty substance which surrounds/insulates healthy nerve fibres) in the brain and spinal cord.

Symptoms: MS causes many different symptoms, including vision loss, pain, fatigue and impaired coordination. The symptoms, severity and duration can vary from person to person. 

Vulnerable Group: It affects young individuals between the ages of 20 to 40 years but may also occur in children and adolescents. Females are affected more by this disease than males.

Treatment: ​​There’s no cure for multiple sclerosis. However, treatments can help speed recovery from attacks, modify the course of the disease and manage symptoms.