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Leading international experts on multiple sclerosis (MS) said Türkiye is now among the strongest countries in MS diagnosis and treatment, citing the nation’s specialist capacity, advanced imaging use and broad access to modern therapies.
The comments came during the 10th Istanbul MS Days, held Oct. 22–24, where the latest global scientific developments shaping the future of MS treatment were discussed.
Associate Professor Melih Tutuncu, president of the Türkiye MS Association, said Türkiye’s medical system offers wide access to MS specialists and high-quality treatment options.
“Türkiye’s physicians are very knowledgeable,” he said.
“We have MS specialists in almost every province. They have the expertise and equipment to diagnose at European standards. In terms of both medical staff and medication, Türkiye is in a good place.”
Tutuncu emphasized that MS, a chronic disease caused by the immune system attacking the brain, spinal cord or optic nerve, requires early diagnosis and sustained treatment to prevent progression.
He noted that symptoms often include long-lasting numbness, vision problems, imbalance, dizziness and limb weakness.
“Modern treatments have significantly reduced attack rates, and many patients benefit greatly,” he added.
“There is no rule that every patient will become disabled. Starting effective treatment early is crucial.”
Congress chair Professor Aksel Siva said the past two decades have seen major advances in MS therapies.
“MS patients now know this is a controllable disease,” he said. “Compared with 25 years ago, we view MS with much more optimism.”
Siva highlighted the growing use of artificial intelligence in diagnosis.
“AI allows much faster analysis of MRI results and provides support during examinations,” he said. “It helps us reach diagnoses more quickly.”
He stressed that MS varies greatly from patient to patient.
“MS shows a personalized course,” he said. “Patients should not judge themselves by comparing to others or searching online. Our goal as physicians is to understand the individual course, choose the right treatment and monitor properly.”
Professor Burcu Zeydan of the Mayo Clinic said MS shows a clear gender pattern.
“Three out of four MS patients are women,” she said, noting that the disease most commonly affects women ages 20–40.
Zeydan said pregnancy does not prevent treatment or worsen outcomes.
“Studies show that with proper treatment and disease stability, pregnancy is not hindered,” she said. “In fact, attacks decrease during pregnancy, and long-term outcomes may even be better.”
She noted that after childbirth, attacks can temporarily increase due to rapid hormonal changes.
Experts repeated that MS is a lifelong condition but increasingly manageable with modern therapies and specialized care; an area where they said Türkiye has made notable progress.
“Türkiye is fortunate in both medical expertise and treatment availability,” Tutuncu said. “Early intervention and strong specialist access are key, and Türkiye provides both.”
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