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Updated: Oct 18, 2025
10:46
A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data
Published on: December 9, 2015
10.8K
Multiple sclerosis in Sri Lanka; epidemiology, demographic patterns and current trends
Bimsara Senanayake1, Mythily Aravinthan1, Sandun Weerasinghe1
1Institute of Neurology, National Hospital of Sri Lanka.
Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders
|October 1, 2021
Summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is increasingly diagnosed in South Asia, with Sri Lanka showing a prevalence of 7.78 per 100,000. Patients exhibit typical MS features but have a favorable long-term prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) was historically considered rare in South Asia, but recent data suggests increasing recognition.
- This study investigates MS prevalence and clinical characteristics in Sri Lanka, challenging Western-centric disease concepts.
Discussion:
- The Sri Lankan MS cohort demonstrates sero-negativity for AQP4 and MOG antibodies, aligning with 2017 McDonalds criteria.
- Clinical presentation and demographics mirror findings in Western and other regional populations.
- Patients experienced excellent long-term visual and mobility outcomes, suggesting a potentially milder disease course.
Key Insights:
- Crude prevalence of MS in Sri Lanka is estimated at 7.78 per 100,000 population.
- Sri Lankan MS patients show benign clinical progression and good functional recovery.
- Disease characteristics are consistent with global MS patterns, despite geographical differences.
Outlook:
- Further research is warranted to explore potential genetic factors influencing the benign course of MS in this population.
- Investigating environmental or genetic predispositions could offer new insights into MS pathogenesis and treatment.
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