Early treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) is linked to a slower progression of disability and less productivity loss, as per a study published in Neurology. Researchers found that MS patients who began treatment within the first six months of symptom onset had a lower risk of disability compared to those who started treatment later. The study involved 580 MS patients, with 70% of them being women, all of whom had received at least one treatment after their first MS symptom episode. The earliest treatment group had a 45% lower risk of developing a disability score of three by the end of the study. Annie Lennon reported

Early Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis can Reduce Disability Risk

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune condition characterized by inflammation and damage to the protective sheath covering nerve cells. Globally, approximately 2.8 million individuals are living with this condition. The signs of MS include loss of balance, numbness, tingling, and weakness. While there is no known cure, there are interventions to manage the symptoms.

The Importance of Early Treatment for MS

Recent research suggests that initiating treatment for MS during the early stages of the disease can slow down its progression and lead to fewer productivity losses. Further understanding of how treatment timing influences disability outcomes can inform improved treatment strategies and enhance patients’ quality of life.

Recent studies investigated health outcomes in patients who began MS treatment at different times after symptom onset. The findings revealed that patients who started treatment within the first six months after symptom onset had a lower risk of disability than those who commenced treatment later. These findings were published in the medical journal, Neurology.

Study Methodology and Findings

For this study, 580 MS patients, with an average age of 34 years at the start of the study, were included. Approximately 70% of the participants were female. All had received at least one treatment after experiencing their first MS symptoms. Participants were divided into three groups based on when they began treatment post symptom onset:

• 0-6 months
• 6-16 months
• more than 16 months.

The researchers monitored the participants’ disability levels and brain scans for an average of 11 years. The findings showed that the group that began treatment earliest had a 45% lower risk of reaching a disability score of three by the end of the study compared to those who started treatment later.

Expert Opinions on Early MS Treatment

Dr. Barbara Giesser, a neurologist and MS specialist, not involved in the study, expressed that MS is a continuous process with nerve damage accumulating over time, even between clinical attacks. Therefore, early treatment can prevent or minimize further damage.

Dr. Amy Yu, director of the Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroinflammation Center, also not involved in the study, stressed the importance of maintaining patients’ current level of function and maximizing their potential.

Best Treatment Options for MS

Before deciding on a treatment plan for MS, it is crucial to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. Dr. Yu emphasized that there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for MS as it manifests differently in different patients. Therefore, treatments should be personalized based on factors such as the number of MS plaques seen on the MRI, level of disability, age, family planning concerns, other medical conditions, history of frequent infections, and patient preference for administration route.

Preventing and Managing MS

According to Dr. Pratt, quitting smoking and maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamin D can help reduce the risk of MS. Dr. Giesser highlighted that healthier diets, like the Mediterranean diet, are linked to less disability and may lower the risk for other complications. Dr. Yu added that even after an MS diagnosis, maintaining overall brain health is crucial. This includes getting quality sleep, leading an active lifestyle, regular exercise, a balanced diet, avoiding processed foods, and practicing stress management techniques.

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