Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: After a decade of seeing her balance deteriorate, a sister’s urge to get a second opinion for ongoing health issues led to the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS), an effective treatment, and a new lease of life.

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, and, according to a scientific study conducted in the UAE, there is a growing incidence of MS in the region.

Ameena had been living with undiagnosed MS for many years, working as a school administrator, struggling with organizational and clerical duties. Having already endured years of loss of balance resulting in having to use a cane to walk, she had all but resigned herself to her condition.

“It was about 10 years’ back, when I first observed some changes in my everyday movements. I tried to distract myself and focus on my work as a school administrator; as long as I was busy, I was okay,” she explains.

It came to a point that she was unable to walk even 200 meters without assistance or asking her colleagues for help. Even after seeking medical assistance, nothing seemed to work. It was only when her sister recommended that she visit Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, a Mubadala Health partner, that she took her condition more seriously.

Dr. Anu Jacob, Director of Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, explains:

“It was no surprise to me that Ameena was not diagnosed, despite 10 years’ of symptoms. Not every person with MS will have typical symptoms. Some will experience many seemingly unrelated and bizarre health problems that confuse doctors. Importantly, not every patient will be able to explain their symptoms to the doctors. Some patients will just ignore symptoms or not seek help; they just cope with their difficulties. But careful history-taking and attention to detail led us to the conclusion that she may have MS, primarily in the spinal cord,” he says.

There are two stages of the disease, namely relapsing and progressive. The relapsing stage lasts for many years and has effective treatment options, but in the progressive stage, the patient’s condition, especially mobility, gradually deteriorates and becomes more difficult to treat.

“Ameena’s long history of symptoms and gradual deterioration made progressive MS more likely, but I felt it important, particularly with the unclear past history, that we offer her our best treatments,” he adds.

Convincing Ameena to alter her course of treatment took some effort, but a cautionary note from the doctor, saying: “You can decline the (new) treatment and expect the wheelchair to be your best buddy, or commit to it and, if you are lucky, start running”, persuaded her to start the new treatment. “I told the doctor, I don’t want to run, but I want to fly!” she laughed.

Determined to make this work, and to also make her dream of visiting the Expo 2020 Dubai and covering all pavilions on foot a reality, Ameena committed to her new regime. She is proud to say that she has fulfilled her dream: “It was something else, to be able to walk without any support, any assistance. All of this has been made possible by the caring staff at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi,” she says.

Dr. Anu Jacob says in conclusion: “Ameena’s case is not an exception, we regularly see patients who have delayed diagnosis of MS. People need to be aware of the possibility of MS. We also need to believe that multiple sclerosis is treatable and not a terminal illness.”

But he cautions: “Sometimes, the opposite happens! Patients who do not have MS get labelled with MS and are put on the wrong medicines. It is important to listen carefully to patients, sift through the very many symptoms, and examine thoroughly before reaching a conclusion. Our patients deserve personalized treatment.  

“It is possible to live a normal, or near normal, life with MS. I feel happiest when my MS patients tell me that they had almost forgotten about their MS until the hospital reminded them about their appointment with me!”

The Multiple Sclerosis Program at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Neurological Institute takes a ‘patient-first’ approach and is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the region. The team’s mission is to work together with each patient and their family to ensure accurate and timely diagnosis. A state-of-the-art treatment plan and long-term management support are provided to each patient.

For more information on MS visit https://multiplesclerosis.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae/

To book an appointment at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, call 800 8 CCAD (2223) visit www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae or download the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Patient Portal App.

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About Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, an integral part of Mubadala Health, is a multispecialty hospital on Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is a unique and unparalleled extension of US-based Cleveland Clinic’s model of care, specifically designed to address a range of complex and critical care requirements unique to the Abu Dhabi population.

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has the following Institutes: Heart, Vascular & Thoracic, Neurological, Digestive Disease, Eye, Respiratory, Critical Care, Surgical Subspecialties, Medical Subspecialties, Emergency Medicine, Anesthesiology, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Imaging, Quality & Patient Safety, and Clinical & Nursing. In all, more than 40 medical and surgical specialties are represented at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

The facilities at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi combine state-of-the-art amenities and world-class service standards. The hospital is a 394 (expandable to 490) bed facility, with five clinical floors, three diagnostic and treatment levels, and 13 floors of critical and acute inpatient units. It is a physician-led medical facility served by North American/European Board Certified (or equivalent) physicians. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi provides patients in the region direct access to the world’s best healthcare providers and Cleveland Clinic’s unique model of care, reducing their need to travel abroad for treatment.

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi – Al Ain began offering select medical services in December 2017. The facility is located on the Tawam Hospital Campus in Al Ain.

Visit us at www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae

About Mubadala Health

Mubadala Health is the integrated healthcare network of Mubadala Investment Company. Established in 2021, Mubadala Health operates, manages, and develops a portfolio of healthcare assets including: Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Healthpoint, Imperial College London Diabetes Centre (ICLDC), Amana Healthcare, National Reference Laboratory (NRL), Capital Health Screening Centre (CHSC), Abu Dhabi Telemedicine Centre (ADTC), Danat Al Emarat, HealthPlus Diabetes & Endocrinology Center, HealthPlus Family Clinics, HealthPlus Fertility, HealthPlus Women’s Health Center, Moorfields Eye Hospital Abu Dhabi, and a stake in Al Meswak Dental Clinics Group. With a vision to transform the regional healthcare landscape, Mubadala Health sets a new benchmark for the UAE and regional healthcare industry through its state-of-the-art facilities and world-class caregivers who strive to put patients first across its continuum of care. Innovation, research, and education are the foundational pillars of Mubadala Health, supporting the further development of a sustainable healthcare sector in line with the vision of Abu Dhabi and the region.

Mubadala Health is on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn with the handle: @mubadalahealth.

Media Contact: Email: mfarah@webershandwick.com