Multiple Sclerosis is infamous for its growth and ability to progress overtime. It's important for people to understand that every case is different, every patient responds differently to medication, and MS progresses differently for all. There are four ways MS is categorized by doctors to describe its progression. Firstly, active MS means evidence is shown that the disease is progressing (episodes and flairs). Not active means no evidence is shown of progression. Worsening describes an advance in disability after a relapse and not worsening shows no distinction in disability after a relapse. The timeline for MS is one that is unique for everyone, this is why finding a treatment is so difficult. People with relapsing-remitting MS have symptoms that get worse with each episode. If these patients do not get treatment their MS can develop into secondary progressive MS (SPMS) where symptoms get worse over time. Failure to get treated can, in very rare cases, develop into advanced MS where there is loss of function and cognitive abilities. On July 19th 2023, The American Academy of Neurology released a study on the correlation between early treatment and long-term disability.
Alvaro Cobo-Calvo, a member of the Multiple Sclerosis Center of Catalonia stated, “Our study found that starting treatment within six months after the first symptoms is associated with a lower risk of disability over time.” 580 people were used in this study who had experienced what is categorized as “first episode symptoms”. These symptoms include numbness, weakness of the muscles, and the administration of one disease modifying drug. These 580 MS patients were divided into three contrasting groups. One group included 194 people who experienced their first treatment after 16 months and another group was made up of 192 people who experienced their first treatment from six months to sixteen months. The last group consisted of 194 people who had their first treatment six months after their visible symptoms. The researchers measured disability through scores that ranged from 1-10 (higher meaning higher disability). Brain scans were also completed to assess any disruption to the spinal cord and cognitive space. The results of this study thoroughly supported Dr. Cobo-Calvo’s statement. Those who received treatment earlier were 45% less likely to reach a level 3 disability score, 60% less likely to move on to SPMS, and 50% more likely to remain stable for a year after their first treatment.
This recent study shows the importance of early treatment for the quality of life of an MS patient. Those who were administered treatment latest in the study were found with a higher rate of disability and 23% of the group was later diagnosed with secondary progressive MS. Severe physical disabilities occur within 20-25 years of disease diagnosis for around 30% of patients. Life expectancy on average for patients with MS is 75.9 years old, a 7.5 year difference than those without MS. Earlier treatment is almost preventative for these more severe symptoms that come from SPMS and Advanced MS. If you have recently been diagnosed with MS or know those who have been, do not wait to get treatment but rather do it as soon as possible. MS is manageable with treatment and healthcare professionals are working to improve patients lives everyday.
References
(n.d.). Multiple Sclerosis: Prognosis. Retrieved August 9, 2023, from https://library.med.utah.edu/kw/ms/prognosis.html
″. (n.d.). ″ - Wiktionary. Retrieved August 9, 2023, from https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1146199-overview?form=fpf
Hammond, N. (n.d.). Multiple sclerosis (MS) types: Symptoms and timeline. Medical News Today. Retrieved August 9, 2023, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324328#timeline
Treatment at the first signs of MS could mean lower risk of disability later. (2023, July 19). ScienceDaily. Retrieved August 9, 2023, from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/07/230719221515.htm
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