Neurologists from across the world will discuss the latest research and trends in multiple sclerosis (MS) at an upcoming congress in Dubai.

The first MENACTRIMS Congress will be organised by the Middle East North Africa Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (MEACTRIMS) on October 17 and 18 at the InterContinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City.

The epidemiology of multiple sclerosis is on a rise in the Arab world. Studies from the region have shown a much higher prevalence of people being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis as compared to previous studies.

Recent research has revealed that this increase in prevalence of multiple sclerosis is in the region is not minimal but amounts to a 10 times  higher prevalence in Kuwait, double prevalence in Jordan and nearly four times higher prevalence in Saudi Arabia as compared to 20 years ago.

With the higher prevalence of multiple sclerosis it is important that neurologists from across the region learn more about the latest advances in the field of MS to ensure patients with the most optimal treatment and care.

“Multiple sclerosis has recently entered a new area with noteworthy treatment advances and new understanding of the disease” said Dr Bassem I Yamout, president of MENACTRIMS, Professor of Clinical Neurology and Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Center Clinical Research at the American University of Beirut Medical Center in Lebanon (AUBMC).

“The new research in the field of multiple sclerosis emphasizes the importance of healthcare professionals having up-to-date knowledge, ensuring that patients get the most optimal treatment and care” added Dr Yamout.

Breakthroughs within multiple sclerosis treatment will be highlighted at the congress including new therapeutic strategies, genetic and environmental factors, neuroimaging, epidemiology, and gender differences with a focus on higher prevalence amongst female patients. The mechanisms underlying inflammatory reactions and tissue damage in patients will furthermore be underlined, in addition to scanning methods, epidemiology, diagnosis and management of MS.

More than 500 healthcare professionals will attend the congress that will bring some of the most renowned MS specialists from across the world to speak at the event. – TradeArabia News Service