Background/Objective(s)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common disabling neurological disorder in young adults. It is an autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS) resulting in severe physical and cognitive debilitation, and neurological difficulties. The objective of this study was to assess the signs and symptoms of MS among Egyptian adults.

Material(s) and Method(s)

People diagnosed with MS as per the 2017 McDonald Diagnostic Criteria have been included in the cross-sectional investigation. Adults of ages ranging from 30 to 50 years were included, with no demographic restrictions. Patients with disorders that impact cognition or cortical activity were excluded.

Result(s)

Results showed that the frequency of attacks varied from one to nine. The frequency of the affected lobes in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) varied from one to six. Only four patients' EEGs showed epileptic activity. Excluding the three patients who had progressive MS, all the others had relapsing remitting MS. The average Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) score was 24.96 ±7.24, with only five patients scoring normal, while 13 (40.6%), 2 (6.3%), and 12 (37.5%) patients had mild, moderate, and severe depression, respectively. The average Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) score was 24.56 ± 9.32, with only three patients scoring normal, while 21 (65.6%), 6 (18.8%) and 2 (6.3%) patients had mild, moderate and severe anxiety, respectively. Out of all patients included, 28.1% had Positive Pulfrick phenomenon, 40.6% had Positive Uthoff phenomenon, 84.4% had depression, 90.6% had anxiety, 12.5% had seizures.

Conclusion(s)

Patients with MS might experience several unique signs and symptoms that are misinterpreted and might lead to delayed dignosis.