Patients with multiple sclerosis have been waiting for each diagnosis on average three years
According to one study in 22 countries, 1 out of 10 people with multiple sclerosis have been waiting in six years to start treatment. The problem affects more than 8 thousand Portuguese.
The diagnosis of declining disease that affects the multiple nervous system, the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, takes an average of three years in Portugal, and until the beginning of pharmacological treatment, the average reaches almost two years, according to data released The Portuguese Society of Multiple Sclerosis (SPEM).
A study conducted in 22 European countries showed it 1 out of 10 people with multiple sclerosis have been waiting for more than six years to start treatment With disease modification treatments (TMD). Of those who have never started drugs, 52% stated that medical prescription did not receive.
In Portugal, 22% of those who haven’t started treatment yet have fears Sobre as TMD, 6% said that the prescribed Drug Shadam is not available And others 6% have no financial conditions To raise funds for treatment.
Disease, which The effects of young people between the ages of 20 to 40Especially women, Attacks Chronicle, Auto Immune and central nervous system. I guess it More than 8,000 Portuguese Have multiple sclerosis, although this number can be underestimated.
“Delays in diagnosis and access to specific treatments in the diagnosis will compromise the management of all symptoms that affect everyday life. These obstacles weaken the effectiveness of clinical interventions and improve the negative impact of the living quality of the disease,” said Magda Fonseca, a researcher at the University of Porto.
The most common features in Fatigue, pain, sensory problems, sleep disorders and cognitive deficitAn average of 13 symptoms were reported for each person.
“This ignorance is terrible. It is necessary to promote enlightenment campaigns, strengthen health professional training and make sure that people with multiple sclerosis have their diagnosis and treatment options,” said SPM president Alexander Gnude Da Silva.
Almost one of five patients cannot be taken care of
Only 70% of patients are expected to obtain satisfactory health care, according to the study. For social support12% of people who need guardians do not helpAnd only 9% get normal support. Almost one of five patients cannot receive treatment or careLack of awareness of need, financial difficulties or lack of prescription.
Experts argue that this is basic Bet on early diagnosis, confirm fast and affordable access to medicines shades, increase reimbursement of SNS And remove administrative obstacles.
