Objective: To analyze the demographic and clinical characteristics, treatments, and comorbidities of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients followed in Çorum province.
Methodology: This study analyzed 197 patients with MS who were followed by the Department of Neurology and diagnosed with definite MS from January 2014 to January 2024. Demographic data and case information were obtained from the hospital database.
Results: Out of the 197 patients, 120 (60.9%) were female, and 77 (39.1%) were male. Mean age was 35.30 ±9.3years, and the average disease duration 10±7.8 years. Comorbid diseases included diabetes mellitus in four patients, irritable bowel syndrome in two, and ulcerative colitis in three, hypertension in four and epilepsy in only one patient. 36 (18.3%) patients were diagnosed with tension-type headaches and 44 (22.3%) received treatment for migraine headaches. The number of patients who started neuropathic pain treatment was 24 and 35 were seen in psychiatry outpatient clinics during the follow-up. The number of patients with sleep problems was 62 (31.5%) and 14 (7.1%) had been treated for restless legs syndrome. The pre-MS smoking was present in 31 patients (15.7%). The number of patients who used alternative methods for treatment was 63 (31.9%).
Conclusion: Comorbidities affect the prognosis, treatment, frequency of health care utilization, ability to work, and quality of life in MS. Polypharmacy and comorbidities increase the complexity of MS management.
Key words: Multiple sclerosis, symptom, disability, comorbidity, polypharmacy, vitamin D.
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