Early symptoms of MS do not differ across ethnic and socio-economic groups
A study of over 96,000 people finds that, in the five years before diagnosis, the early warning signs of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), including pain, mood changes, and neurological symptoms such as numbness and tingling, affect all communities in similar ways.
Wolfson Institute of Population Health researchers analysed electronic health records in England in one of the largest and most diverse investigations into the symptoms experienced before an MS diagnosis. The study found that, in the five years before diagnosis, people with MS were:
- 8 times more likely to report neurological symptoms such as vision changes or numbness
- 5 times more likely to have memory or concentration problems
- Twice more likely to report chronic pain or bladder/bowel issues
- 7 times more likely to experience depression or anxiety
These patterns held true for people of White, Black, South Asian and mixed/other ethnicities, as well as those living in both rural and urban areas, The finding strengthens the case for these symptoms to be used to help detect MS earlier. The study also found that the link between neurological symptoms and later MS diagnosis was stronger for men and people from Black and Asian backgrounds, groups that are often typically less likely to be diagnosed with MS overall. A better understanding of this phase across the entire population could help our knowledge of the onset of the disease, and aid in early diagnosis.
The research team is now working on risk prediction tools that could flag high-risk individuals for closer monitoring or referral, potentially paving the way for trials of preventive treatments, and shifting MS care from reactive to proactive.
Ruth Dobson, WIPH Professor of Clinical Neurology and lead author of the study said: “This is the strongest evidence yet that MS gives us clues years before diagnosis. If doctors know what to look for, they can potentially spot the disease earlier and act to start treatment before significant damage is done.”
Ben Jacobs, WIPH Clinical Lecturer in Neurology and study co-author said: “Our study shows that the very earliest features of MS are similar regardless of someone’s ethnic or socio-economic background. Efforts to detect MS earlier or identify people at high risk should therefore be inclusive and representative of the whole population.”
Dr Catherine Godbold, Senior Research Communications Manager at the MS Society, said: "Understanding more about the early signs of MS could help speed up MS diagnosis and get people onto treatments sooner. This can help to slow down disease progression and prevent disability. So, we're really pleased to see these early symptoms being studied in a large, diverse group. Over 150,000 people live with MS in the UK, and the condition can affect all communities, ages, ethnic backgrounds and genders. But almost everything we know about how MS develops is based on people of White ethnicity. Research like this is crucial in helping us ensure healthcare services can benefit everyone living with MS and those at an increased risk of developing the condition, regardless of their background.”
The study was funded by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Pooja Tank, Benjamin M Jacobs, Jonathan Bestwick, Ruth Dobson. Pre-diagnostic features of Multiple Sclerosis in a diverse UK cohort: a nested case-control study. Annals of clinical and translational neurology https://doi.org/10.1002/acn3.70175