MSSI – Chennai Chapter’s “Face to Face” monthly meeting took place on Saturday 23rd November 2024 with renowned neurologist Dr. Venkatraman Karthikeyan from Kauvery Hospital, Chennai as the Chief Guest.

The Programme commenced with the Birthday Celebrations of Hon, Secretary Ann Gonsalvez together with MS persons Mrs Maheswari and Mr.Sivakumar. The meeting started with a welcome speech and introduction of Dr. Venkatraman Karthikeyan by Mrs. Meenakshi. Dr. Venkatraman had recently attended the prestigious ICTRIMS 2024 (Indian Committee for the Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis) at Chandigarh on November 14 – 16, 2024. He provided valuable insights into the latest updates on research, new drugs, and new treatment options for MS.

Dr. Venkatraman conducted a workshop and presented his paper on “Fatigue in MS,” showcasing how fatigue, a common and disabling symptom of MS, can be managed efficiently by MS individuals by adopting certain lifestyle changes in their daily lives. Chennai Chapter had completed 12 Fatigue Management programme which was the basis of the study.

The discussion provided some valuable insights like High dose of Cholecalciferol, a dietary supplement for Vitamin-D reduces MS disease activity and he also spoke about Neurofilament light chain (NFL) a blood biomarker that helps in monitoring multiple sclerosis (MS) disease activity and treatment response. He highlighted the importance of cognitive brain health in MS management, as well as the varied symptoms that are present in the individual much before the onset and diagnosis of MS.

During the Q&A session, participants clarified their various doubts regarding MS and specifically on the significant role of diet in managing MS symptoms.

To benefit MS persons registered with the other MSSI chapters, the meeting was hosted on the Zoom platform.

The discussion received an overwhelmingly positive response from the MS persons present for the meeting. The meeting came to a close with high tea for all the participants.