Researchers Link Early MS Symptoms to Long-Term Disability Risks

A recent study led by Dr. João Pedro F. Gonçalves from the Federal University of Bahia, Brazil, has uncovered a significant connection between early symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) and long-term disability outcomes, SciTech Daily reported yesterday.

Published in the journal Brain Medicine, the research analyzed data from 195 MS patients, focusing on their symptoms at disease onset and subsequent functional outcomes.

The study found that initial symptoms such as acute blurry vision and sphincter dysfunction are strong predictors of worse long-term disability. Specifically, patients presenting with acute blurry vision had a 20% higher likelihood of experiencing worse functional outcomes. Additionally, those who reported sphincter dysfunction, which includes bladder and bowel issues, faced a 24.5% increased risk of developing severe disability.

Contrary to prior beliefs, the study indicated that symptoms like acute paralysis and hypoesthesia were not independent predictors of long-term outcomes. The researchers utilized the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) to objectively assess the correlation between initial symptoms and long-term disability.

These findings suggest the potential for altering treatment strategies to focus more intensively on these specific early symptoms. The research team acknowledges limitations, such as possible recall bias, and calls for prospective studies to further validate their results and explore the implications for MS care.