People with multiple sclerosis (MS) may show warning signs long before classic symptoms appear. And new research shows that mental health concerns could be one of the first red flags.
A study from the University of British Columbia (UBC) published last week at Jama Network Open examined the medical records of 2,038 patients. Autoimmune diseases They were compared with 10,182 patients.
Researchers found that future MS patients are increasing the proportion of Mental health-Related issues, psychiatrists, general medical visits, and complaints of ambiguous symptoms such as fatigue and pain – 15 years before the onset of clear symptoms.
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“These findings suggest that MS may begin much earlier than previously recognized, and mental health-related issues are early indicators,” the researchers wrote.
MS attacks protective myelin coatings around nerve cells Brain and spinal cordIt affects roughly 1 million adults in the United States, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Although there are no known causes or treatments, treatment can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease, causing muscle weakness, changes in vision, numbness, and memory problems.
Previous studies have shown that in the 5-10 years leading up to MS diagnosis, people usually seek medical consultations more frequently for headaches, fatigue, sleep disorders, pain and pain. Gastrointestinal problems Psychiatric concerns were written by researchers.
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However, the UBC study followed 25 years of doctor visits leading to the onset of symptoms in MS patients in British Columbia.
They steadily rose on general practice visits beginning 15 years later, followed by more frequent trips to psychiatrists 12 years before symptoms.
Neurology and ophthalmology visits increased probably 8-9 years ago. Blurred vision Or eye pain, two common early symptoms: MS.
Three or five years before the onset of the disease, emergency rooms and radiology visits rose sharply. In almost all specialties, doctor visits peaked in the year before symptoms began.
Psychiatrist consultations in particular surged by 159% before MS onset, and mental health visits increased by 76%.
Increased psychiatric visits may correlate with early stages of MS-related immunodysregulation due to higher levels of certain inflammation-related chemicals. Blood-brain barrier Researchers said it could affect mood.
While most people who experience mental health problems, fatigue and headaches do not develop MS, researchers said they can recognize and characterize “precursor phases” (early periods characterized by subtle symptoms). Speed up your diagnosis Improve the results.
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“Mental health and mental-related issues may be one of the earliest features of the precursor phase of MS, preceding nervous system-related symptoms and neurologist visits,” said Dr. Helen Trenlett, professor of neurology at UBC.
“This suggests that there may be opportunities to recognize and manage MS early in the future, maximizing mental health and brain reserves,” she said.
The findings also open “new pathways for early biomarkers research.” Lifestyle factors Other potential triggers that may be acting during this previously overlooked stage of the disease,” the researchers added.
Monitoring early warning signs may also help detect other brain diseases. Like Alzheimer’s Or ALS, and ensure early intervention, Tremlett pointed out.
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Between 2016 and 2021, MS cases rose from around 2.2 million to 2.9 million worldwide, according to a survey published in the Journal Frontiers of Neurology.
The illness has been attracting public attention in recent years as celebrities like Selma Blair, Christina Applegate and Montel Williams share their experiences in life with MS.
