According to a story from UBC, a recent study has revealed that multiple sclerosis patients may start experiencing abnormal symptoms up to five years before they begin to manifest the diagnostic signs and symptoms of the disease itself. For example, they have a 50 percent greater chance of visiting a psychiatrist and are also four times as likely to get treated for nervous system issues, such as pain or sleep disruption.
About Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects the nervous system. It is characterized by damage to the myelin sheath, an insulating covering that protects neurons and is essential for their ability to communicate normally. The cause of the disease is not well understood. Genetics and environmental factors may play a role; multiple sclerosis also appears to be more common in populations far away from the equator, but there are notable exceptions. Symptoms include double vision, blindness in one eye, loss of coordination, sensation abnormalities, and muscle weakness. It may also cause muscle spasms, trouble speaking and swallowing, and mental illness, such as depression. There are several treatments available for the disease. Life expectancy was previously reported to be 25-30 years post-diagnosis, more recent findings have stated that with newer treatment options, the lifespan of an MS patient is about 7 years less than the average population. To learn more about multiple sclerosis, click here.
About the Study
This study is the most extensive effort so far to attempt to document the first warning signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis before patients are actually diagnosed with it. The main goal is to identify earlier signs so that they disease can get diagnosed earlier. This would result in treatment beginning earlier as well, which would ideally slow disease progression and improve outcomes for patients. The varied and non-specific symptoms of multiple sclerosis means that diagnosis is often a challenge, and the process can take a long time; precious time that, with a faster diagnosis, would be used for treatment.
Connections Between MS and Other Issues
The researchers confirmed that several illnesses and conditions occurred at a higher rate in people that would later get diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Some of these include irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, migraines, and a variety of mood or anxiety disorders, such as bipolar disorder and depression. Further research will help further flesh out these findings so that a specific collection of early warning signs and symptoms can be compiled.
