World Multiple Sclerosis Day, 2025: Insights from Neurologist Dr. Leena Rajani
World Multiple Sclerosis Day (World MS Day) is observed annually on May 30 with the goal of raising awareness about Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and showing solidarity with the 2.9 million people living with the condition worldwide.
Launched in 2009 by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF), World MS Day seeks to drive a global movement advocating for individuals affected by MS.
This year’s theme is “My MS Diagnosis: Navigating MS Together.” It aims to raise awareness and build support for the MS community by sharing personal stories of diagnosis. The theme also emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and timely intervention.
In an exclusive conversation with Dr. Theresa Lily, BDS, of MedBound Times, Dr. Leena Rajani, currently a Consultant Neurologist at Medanta Hospital in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, answers key questions about multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions. Dr. Rajani completed her MBBS from Sri Aurobindo Institute of Medical Sciences (SAIMS), Indore, her DNB from Choithram Hospital and Research Centre, Indore, and her DM in Neurology from Thoothukudi Government Medical College, Tamil Nadu.
Dr. Theresa Lily: What are some of the most common neurological conditions you treat?
Dr. Leena Rajani: Common neurological conditions we treat include epilepsy, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, headaches, dementia, multiple sclerosis, and movement disorders.
Dr. Theresa Lily: What drew you to the field of neurology?
Dr. Leena Rajani: I was fascinated by the complexity of the brain and inspired by the opportunity to improve the quality of life for patients with chronic conditions. Neurology combines diagnostic challenges with meaningful patient relationships.
Dr. Theresa Lily: What symptoms should prompt someone to seek evaluation by a neurologist?
Dr. Leena Rajani: Symptoms warranting a neurologist evaluation would be: Persistent headaches, seizures, sudden or gradual onset of weakness or numbness, memory loss, tremors, visual disturbances, balance issues, or unexplained pain should prompt an evaluation.
Dr. Theresa Lily: Are there any early warning signs for neurological diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer's or MS that people often overlook?
Dr. Leena Rajani: Yes, for example:
Parkinson’s disease: Loss of smell, small handwriting, and sleep disturbances
Alzheimer’s disease: Difficulty performing familiar tasks, such as managing finances
Multiple sclerosis: Blurred vision, fatigue, or electric-shock sensations with neck movement
Dr. Theresa Lily: What’s one of the most challenging conditions you’ve encountered in your practice?
Dr. Leena Rajani: Progressive neurodegenerative diseases like ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) or late-stage MS are particularly challenging due to limited curative options, underscoring the need for ongoing research.
Dr. Theresa Lily: What is multiple sclerosis and how does it affect the nervous system?
Dr. Leena Rajani: MS is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the myelin sheath, the protective covering of nerves. This disrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
Dr. Theresa Lily: What are the early signs and symptoms people should watch for?
Dr. Leena Rajani: Early symptoms include vision problems such as optic neuritis, numbness or tingling, fatigue, balance issues, bladder dysfunction, and cognitive difficulties often described as “brain fog.”
Dr. Theresa Lily: Who is most at risk for developing MS and why?
Dr. Leena Rajani: Women are three to four times more likely to develop MS than men. Those most at risk include individuals aged 20 to 50, people of Northern European descent, those with low vitamin D levels, smokers, and those previously exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus. Hormones, genetic factors, and immune system differences may contribute to the increased risk in women.
Dr. Theresa Lily: How is MS diagnosed and what challenges come with diagnosing it?
Dr. Leena Rajani: Diagnosis involves taking a detailed medical history, performing a clinical neurological examination, and conducting MRI scans of the brain and spinal cord. Additional tests may include cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis and evoked potential studies. The wide range of symptoms and absence of a single definitive test make diagnosis difficult. MS can mimic other conditions like Lyme disease, leading to delays.
Dr. Theresa Lily: What treatment options are currently available and how effective are they?
Dr. Leena Rajani: Treatment options include:
Corticosteroids
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)
Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) such as interferon injections, oral medications like fingolimod, and infused drugs like ocrelizumab.
These treatments reduce the frequency of relapses and slow disease progression, but they do not cure MS. Early initiation of therapy is crucial.
Dr. Theresa Lily: How does MS progress over time and can progression be slowed?
Dr. Leena Rajani: Progression varies. Relapsing-remitting MS can evolve into secondary progressive MS. Lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise and a healthy diet, along with DMTs (Disease-modifying therapies), can help slow disease progression.
Dr. Theresa Lily: What role does rehabilitation (physical, occupational therapy) play in MS care?
Dr. Leena Rajani: Rehabilitation is vital. Physical therapy enhances mobility, while occupational therapy supports independence in daily activities. Regular exercise also helps reduce fatigue and enhances brain plasticity.
Dr. Theresa Lily: How can people with MS maintain quality of life and independence?
Dr. Leena Rajani: Staying physically active, managing stress through mindfulness, maintaining proper sleep hygiene, and joining support networks such as MS societies can significantly improve quality of life.
Dr. Theresa Lily: What are some common misconceptions about MS you’d like to correct?
Dr. Leena Rajani: Some misconceptions include:
MS is a fatal disease. In reality, most individuals have a near-normal life expectancy with treatment.
Everyone with MS ends up in a wheelchair. Many people with MS retain their mobility with the help of modern therapies.
Dr. Theresa Lily: What advances in MS research are offering new hope for patients?
Dr. Leena Rajani: Promising developments include remyelination therapies like clemastine trials, B-cell targeting drugs, and ongoing stem cell research.
Dr. Theresa Lily: Does MS recur even after an asymptomatic period?
Dr. Leena Rajani: Yes. In relapsing-remitting MS, relapses can occur even after symptom-free periods. Silent progression, where nerve damage continues without visible symptoms, is also possible. Regular monitoring is essential.
Dr. Theresa Lily: What are the biggest challenges facing the field of neurology today?
Dr. Leena Rajani: Major challenges include unequal access to care, delayed diagnoses, and the lack of disease-modifying treatments for progressive forms of MS and ALS.
Dr. Theresa Lily: Where do you see the future of neurological research and care heading in the next 5-10 years?
Dr. Leena Rajani: The future lies in personalized medicine based on biomarkers, gene therapies, artificial intelligence in diagnostics, and a focus on early intervention and neuroprotection.
MedBound Times expresses sincere gratitude to Dr. Leena Rajani for sharing her valuable insights on our platform.
