Latest news with #MS-specific
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
These Symptoms Could Be Early Warning Signs of MS, a Decade Before Diagnosis
Signs of a rogue immune system may be present more than a decade before the debilitating physical symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) reveal themselves. A new study found poor mental health may be one of the earliest hints of this disease, which impacts about 2.8 million people globally. University of British Columbia epidemiologist Marta Ruiz-Algueró and colleagues investigated the medical histories of 2,038 patients with MS in Canada and compared them to 10,182 patients without. Related: They found patients who went on to develop MS had presented to their physicians with symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, dizziness, anxiety, and depression more often than the general population. What's more, these clues appeared as early as 15 years before more established symptoms were first detected. The researchers also identified a spike in visits to neurologists and ophthalmologists around 8 to 9 years before their diagnosis. This was then followed by a surge of visits for physical symptoms in the lead-up to diagnosis. "We're only now starting to understand what these early warning signs are, with mental health-related issues appearing to be among the earliest indicators," says Ruiz-Algueró. "These patterns suggest that MS has a long and complex prodromal phase – where something is happening beneath the surface but hasn't yet declared itself as MS." Symptoms of poor mental health are common throughout the population, the researchers caution, and most people who experience them will not go on to develop MS. Still, if we can better understand how such signs relate to MS, it may become possible to identify risk factors and earlier interventions. "MS can be difficult to recognize as many of the earliest signs – like fatigue, headache, pain, and mental health concerns – can be quite general and easily mistaken for other conditions," explains University of British Columbia epidemiologist Helen Tremlett. The immune systems of people with MS mistakenly attack their nerves' fatty protective coating, called the myelin sheath. This can eventually lead to pain, loss of sensation, and loss of motor function in different parts of the body, as the connection between the body and the brain becomes compromised. Fatigue, vision disturbances, and cognitive dysfunction are also common symptoms. While viral and bacterial infections have been implicated in triggering MS, and certain genes appear to make some people more susceptible, we don't yet fully understand what causes the immune system to go rogue. Therapies can help reduce relapses, but there's no treatment to prevent the disease's progress. Previous research has also identified a pattern of MS-specific antibodies in blood five or more years before characteristic symptoms arise. "Our findings dramatically shift the timeline for when these early warning signs are thought to begin, potentially opening the door to opportunities for earlier detection and intervention," concludes Tremlett. This research was published in JAMA. Related News The Blood of Exceptionally Long-Lived People Suggests Key Differences Switching Off For a Moment Lets Your Brain Do Something Wonderful Short, Brisk Walks Could Help You Live Longer Than Long, Slow Strolls Solve the daily Crossword
Scotsman
31-07-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
Miss World makes first visit to Scotland in 14 years to shine spotlight on MS Support with Miss Scotland
Her visit follows the campaign of Miss Scotland, Amy Scott, who selected Revive MS Support as her chosen charity during the Miss World competition, inspired by her cousin's experience living with MS. This marks the first official visit from a Miss World titleholder to Scotland in over 14 years, adding global attention to the urgent health inequality faced by those living with MS in Scotland which has one of the highest rates of MS in the world, with over 17,500 people affected. Miss World and Miss Scotland toured Revive's therapy centre in Govan, met service users and frontline staff, and learned more about the charity's work providing MS-specific physiotherapy, counselling, oxygen therapy and more, services not widely available through the NHS. Both even went head-to-head in a friendly SkiErg machine challenge which is a popular among Revive's service users and staff. Opal Suchata Chuangsri, Miss World 2025, said: 'It's been incredibly moving to meet the team at Revive MS Support and hear directly from people whose lives have been changed by the work they do. I've learned that MS affects thousands of people here in Scotland, and many are living with invisible symptoms that can be overwhelming. Charities like Revive offer not just treatment, but real community and hope.' Amy Scott, Miss Scotland, said: 'Having a family member live with MS opened my eyes to just how tough and misunderstood the condition can be. Visiting Revive MS Support with Miss World - and having my cousin Rhyiza there, who inspired me to enter Miss World in the first place - was incredibly emotional. "The dedication of the staff and the resilience of the people they support is something I'll never forget. I'm proud to stand alongside them to raise awareness of MS, support those who live with it, and spotlight the vital services Revive provides every day.' Iain McWhirter, CEO of Revive MS Support, said: 'We were honoured to welcome Miss World and Miss Scotland to Revive MS Support today. Their visit helps highlight the very real challenges facing people living with MS in Scotland, and how our services make a life-changing difference. We're grateful to Amy for championing our work on a global stage, and to Opal for taking the time to learn more about MS and help raise awareness.' About Revive MS Support Revive MS Support is a Scottish charity dedicated to improving the quality of life for people affected by multiple sclerosis. Based in Glasgow, the charity offers a wide range of services including physiotherapy, counselling, complementary therapies, and social support for people affected by MS. 1 . Contributed Opal and Amy met service users and frontline staff, and learned more about the charity's work providing MS- specific physiotherapy Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 2 . Contributed Miss World 2025, Opal Suchata Chuangsri, visited Revive MS Support, Scotland's leading MS charity with Miss Scotland Amy Scott Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 3 . Contributed Both beauties even went head-to-head in a friendly SkiErg machine challenge Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 4 . Contributed The ladies learned that the charity's services are not widely available through the NHS Photo: Submitted Photo Sales Related topics: ScotlandGlasgow
