SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) Central New York has the highest population of patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in the nation. Doctors have been speculating why for years, and it may be getting worse.<\/p>\n
A neurologist at St. Josephs Health is concerned about the trend hes seen throughout the pandemic.<\/p>\n
Dr. Fahed Saada recently treated a 24-year-old man. His brain and spine were riddled with lesions. Hes in the early stages of MS and joins a growing list of Saadas patients, adding to a trend no neurologist wants to see.<\/p>\n
Ive never seen so many acute Multiple Sclerosis cases over the years compared to this past year and I dont know why.<\/p>\n
Saada says other viruses can increase our risk, but it will be years before we learn COVID-19s contributions, if any. In the meantime, more people are getting sick.<\/p>\n
Early treatment can give patients some improvement, but over time, MS progresses.<\/p>\n
The disease disrupts the brains ability to send messages to the rest of the body. Theres no cure, and eventually, it causes permanent damage to the nerves.<\/p>\n
These lesions, if theyre not treated appropriately and quickly, they become what we call black holes in the brain.<\/p>\n
Its hard to stop an uptick in cases when doctors dont know whats causing it.<\/p>\n
However, neurologists do know that places north of the equator are at a higher risk because patients with MS have low vitamin D levels.<\/p>\n
Doctors also know we here in Central New York dont get a lot of sunlight in the winter.<\/p>\n
For now, though, Saada says its a medical mystery doctors desperately want to solve.<\/p>\n
Saada says a vitamin D supplement may help boost your prevention, but you should always talk to your doctor before making any changes to your medication and supplements.<\/p>\n
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\nWellness Wednesday: neurologist concerned about Multiple Sclerosis trend hes seen throughout the pandemic - WSYR<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"