Multiple sclerosis average age. Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis: Average Age, Symptoms, and Treatment Across Lifespan

14.10.202317.07.2023 by alexxlab

How does the average age of multiple sclerosis diagnosis impact symptoms and treatment. What are the unique challenges of MS diagnosis at different life stages. How do risk factors and prevalence vary across age groups for multiple sclerosis.

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Understanding Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis Across Age Groups

Multiple sclerosis (MS) can develop at any age, but it’s most commonly diagnosed in adults between 20 and 50 years old. Some experts estimate the average age of diagnosis to be around 34. However, MS can affect individuals from childhood through late adulthood, each presenting unique challenges and characteristics.

Key MS Diagnosis Statistics

Approximately 1 million people in the United States live with MS
3-5% of MS cases occur in individuals under 16 years old
80% of MS cases in adults aged 20-40 are relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS)
Late-onset MS (after age 50) accounts for 0.6-12% of total MS cases

Pediatric MS: Challenges and Characteristics

Pediatric MS, also known as pediatric-onset MS (POMS), refers to cases diagnosed in children and adolescents under 18. This form of MS presents unique challenges and characteristics compared to adult-onset MS.

Gender Differences in Pediatric MS

Does gender play a role in pediatric MS diagnosis? Indeed, there are notable differences:

For children under 12, the female-to-male ratio is 1.2-to-1
In children over 12, the ratio increases to 2.8 females for every male diagnosed

Unique Features of Pediatric MS

How does MS affect children differently from adults? Several key differences exist:

Children experience relapses 2-3 times more frequently than adults in the first six years
Recovery from relapses tends to be quicker in children
Disability progression is typically slower in pediatric cases

It’s worth noting that some adults with MS recall experiencing unusual symptoms in their early years, which they didn’t realize were related to the condition. This highlights the importance of awareness and early detection.

Adult-Onset MS: The Most Common Scenario

Adult-onset MS, particularly between ages 20 and 50, represents the majority of MS diagnoses. This age group often faces unique challenges as symptoms may coincide with busy life stages and increased stress levels.

Triggers for Adult MS Diagnosis

What often leads to an MS diagnosis in adulthood? Common triggers include:

Worsening or more frequent symptoms that were previously mild or ignored
Increased stress levels exacerbating symptoms
Unexplained neurological symptoms prompting medical investigation

One MyMSTeam member shared their experience: “I kept dropping things when I made dinner, and my balance was off while walking. During that time, I was under a lot of stress at home and work. I made an appointment with my primary doctor, who recommended an MRI. The results showed a bunch of lesions in my brain and spinal cord.”

Types of MS in Adulthood

Which type of MS is most common in adults? Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) accounts for 80% of MS cases in people aged 20 to 40. As individuals age, many with RRMS transition to secondary progressive MS, though about 30% continue with RRMS throughout their lives.

Late-Onset Multiple Sclerosis: Diagnosis After 50

Late-onset MS (LOMS) refers to cases diagnosed at age 50 or later. This form of MS presents its own set of challenges and characteristics.

Key Facts About Late-Onset MS

Average age of LOMS onset: 53-67 years
Diagnosis after 60 is considered very late-onset (only 1% of MS cases)
LOMS represents 0.6-12% of total MS cases
Unlike adult MS, LOMS is more common in men

Challenges of Late-Onset MS

How does late-onset MS differ from earlier diagnoses? Several factors come into play:

Increased likelihood of comorbidities complicating treatment
More pronounced cognitive impairment
Greater prevalence of vision problems
Increased sensory disturbances and motor dysfunction

Risk Factors for Multiple Sclerosis

While the exact cause of MS remains unknown, researchers have identified several risk factors that may contribute to its development.

Common Risk Factors for MS

Biological sex (MS is more common in women)
Environmental factors
Geographical location
Race and ethnicity

Understanding these risk factors can help in early detection and management of MS across different age groups.

Diagnosis Challenges Across Age Groups

Diagnosing MS can be challenging at any age, but each life stage presents unique obstacles.

Childhood Diagnosis Challenges

Symptoms may be subtle or mistaken for other childhood conditions
Children may struggle to articulate their symptoms
Parents and healthcare providers may not consider MS as a possibility in young patients

Adult Diagnosis Challenges

Symptoms may be attributed to stress or other common adult health issues
Busy lifestyles may lead to delayed medical attention
MS symptoms can mimic other neurological conditions

Late-Onset Diagnosis Challenges

Symptoms may be confused with normal aging processes
Presence of other health conditions can complicate diagnosis
Healthcare providers may be less likely to consider MS in older patients

Treatment Approaches Across the Lifespan

Treatment strategies for MS vary depending on the age of onset and individual patient factors.

Pediatric MS Treatment

How is MS treated in children and adolescents? Key approaches include:

Careful monitoring of growth and development
Adjusted dosages of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs)
Collaborative care involving pediatric neurologists and MS specialists
Support for academic and social development

Adult MS Treatment

What are the primary treatment strategies for adult-onset MS? Common approaches include:

A wide range of FDA-approved disease-modifying therapies
Symptom management strategies
Lifestyle modifications to support overall health
Regular monitoring and adjustment of treatment plans

Late-Onset MS Treatment

How does treatment differ for late-onset MS? Key considerations include:

Careful selection of DMTs considering potential side effects and comorbidities
Enhanced focus on managing cognitive symptoms
Comprehensive approach addressing multiple health concerns
Emphasis on maintaining quality of life and independence

Advances in disease-modifying therapies have significantly improved outcomes for MS patients across all age groups, potentially slowing disease progression and increasing life expectancy.

Living with MS: Support and Management Strategies

Regardless of the age of onset, living with MS requires ongoing support and management strategies.

Building a Support Network

How can individuals with MS find support? Several options are available:

Joining support groups like MyMSTeam
Engaging with MS-focused organizations
Building a strong relationship with healthcare providers
Educating family and friends about MS

Lifestyle Management Strategies

What lifestyle factors can help manage MS symptoms? Key strategies include:

Regular exercise tailored to individual capabilities
Stress management techniques
Balanced nutrition
Adequate rest and sleep hygiene
Cognitive exercises and activities

One MyMSTeam member shared their experience: “It took 19 long years to diagnose my MS. I was 16 (1976) when it started. My relapses were so far apart in the beginning, but as the years went by, my relapses became closer together, and more symptoms cropped up. The year my son was born (1990) was when some of the worse symptoms started, and doctors were able to rule out other illnesses. I was diagnosed in 1995.”

This member’s journey highlights the importance of persistence in seeking a diagnosis and the potential for MS symptoms to evolve over time.

Ongoing Research and Future Perspectives

The field of MS research is continually evolving, with new insights and treatment approaches emerging regularly.

Current Research Focus Areas

Genetic factors contributing to MS development
Environmental influences on MS risk
Novel treatment approaches, including stem cell therapies
Strategies for myelin repair and neuroprotection
Improved diagnostic tools and criteria

Future Outlook for MS Management

What does the future hold for MS treatment and management? Promising areas include:

Personalized medicine approaches tailored to individual genetic profiles
Advanced imaging techniques for earlier and more accurate diagnosis
Combination therapies targeting multiple aspects of MS pathology
Improved strategies for managing progressive forms of MS
Enhanced rehabilitation techniques leveraging technology

As research progresses, the outlook for individuals with MS continues to improve, offering hope for better management and potentially even prevention of the disease across all age groups.

Living with MS presents unique challenges at any age, but with proper support, treatment, and management strategies, individuals can maintain a good quality of life. Whether diagnosed in childhood, adulthood, or later years, it’s crucial to work closely with healthcare providers to develop a personalized approach to MS care. By staying informed about the latest research and treatment options, individuals with MS can take an active role in managing their condition and optimizing their well-being throughout their lifespan.

What Is the Average Age for a Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis?

Connect with others living with multiple sclerosis

Resources
MS Information
Diagnosis and Testing

Medically reviewed by
Evelyn O. Berman, M.D.

Article written by
Anastasia Climan, RDN, CDN

A person can develop multiple sclerosis (MS) at any age, but the condition is most often diagnosed in adults ages 20 to 50. Some health care experts estimate the average age of diagnosis is 34. Regardless of age group, however, everyone faces unique challenges on the path to diagnosis.

Although scientists have yet to discover a clear cause of MS, they’ve identified risk factors including biological sex, environmental factors, geographical location, and race and ethnicity. Currently, there are about one million people living with MS in the United States.

Here’s what members of MyMSTeam have shared and what the experts say about diagnosis during different stages of life.

Childhood MS Prevalence and Symptoms

Scientists estimate that 3 percent to 5 percent of MS cases develop in people under the age of 16. MS in children and adolescents under 18 is referred to as pediatric MS, or pediatric-onset MS (POMS). In children under 12, the female to male ratio for the incidence of an MS diagnosis is 1.2-to-1. For children over the age of 12, the ratio difference is higher, at 2.8 females per every male diagnosed.

MS affects children differently from adults in some key ways. During the first six years of POMS, children experience relapses (return of symptoms) two to three times more frequently than adults with early MS, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. However, children also tend to recover more quickly and develop disabilities at a slower rate than adults.

Sometimes adults with MS recall experiencing unusual symptoms in their early years which they hadn’t realized resulted from having the condition. Teenagers may have mild symptoms of MS that fly under the radar, and they end up going undiagnosed until adulthood.

Such was the case for one MyMSTeam member, who said, “It took 19 long years to diagnose my MS. I was 16 (1976) when it started. My relapses were so far apart in the beginning, but as the years went by, my relapses became closer together, and more symptoms cropped up. The year my son was born (1990) was when some of the worse symptoms started, and doctors were able to rule out other illnesses. I was diagnosed in 1995.”

Diagnosis of MS in Adulthood

People who experience unusual or unexplained symptoms as teenagers may notice that those symptoms are worse or more frequent in adulthood, particularly when life gets busy or stressful. These worsening symptoms can sometimes be the trigger that leads to an MS diagnosis.

“I kept dropping things when I made dinner, and my balance was off while walking,” one MyMSTeam member wrote. “During that time, I was under a lot of stress at home and work. I made an appointment with my primary doctor, who recommended an MRI. The results showed a bunch of lesions in my brain and spinal cord.”

MS is considered the most common cause of nontraumatic neurological disability in adults. When it comes to types of MS and age, relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) makes up 80 percent of MS cases for people aged 20 to 40. Most people with adult-onset MS develop secondary progressive MS during the disease course as they age, but 30 percent continue to have RRMS while they get older.

Getting Diagnosed With MS Later in Life

An MS diagnosis at age 50 or later is considered late-onset MS (LOMS). The average age of LOMS onset is between 53 and 67. Diagnosis after age 60 is considered very late-onset and accounts for only 1 percent of MS cases.

Like pediatric MS, LOMS is rare, representing between 0. 6 percent and 12 percent of total MS cases. Although adult MS affects three times more women than men, LOMS is more common in men.

People diagnosed with MS at a later age of onset may have other conditions (called comorbidities) that complicate MS treatment. For example, cognitive impairment — such as trouble with memory, attention span, or decision-making — is often more pronounced. So, too, are vision problems, sensory disturbances, and motor dysfunction.

Fortunately, advances in disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) have helped slow disease progression and increase the life expectancy for people with MS. Talk to your neurologist about which treatments might work for you to potentially slow the progression of MS.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyMSTeam is the social network for people with multiple sclerosis and their loved ones. On MyMSTeam, more than 191,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their experiences with others who understand life with multiple sclerosis.

If you have MS, when did you first begin to notice symptoms of multiple sclerosis? How long did it take to get an accurate diagnosis? Share your story in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting in the Activities feed.

References

Who Gets Multiple Sclerosis? Epidemiology of MS — National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Pediatric MS — National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Epidemiology of Pediatric-Onset Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review of the Literature — Journal of Child Neurology
Multiple Sclerosis in People Over Age 55 — Practical Neurology
Late-Onset MS: Disease Course and Safety-Efficacy of DMTS — Frontiers in Neurobiology
MS Diagnosis: The Full Guide — Overcoming MS

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Evelyn O. Berman, M.D. is a neurology and pediatric specialist and treats disorders of the brain in children. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Learn more about her here.

Anastasia Climan, RDN, CDN is a dietitian with over 10 years of experience in public health and medical writing. Learn more about her here.

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The age at onset of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis has increased over the last five decades

. 2022 Dec;68:104103.

doi: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.104103.

Epub 2022 Aug 9.

Lucía Romero-Pinel¹, Laura Bau², Elisabet Matas², Isabel León², Albert Muñoz-Vendrell², Pablo Arroyo², Cristina Masuet-Aumatell³, Antonio Martínez-Yélamos⁴, Sergio Martínez-Yélamos⁴

Affiliations

¹ Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Department of Neurology. Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge – IDIBELL, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain. Electronic address: [email protected].
² Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Department of Neurology. Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge – IDIBELL, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
³ Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine. Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge – IDIBELL, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
⁴ Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Department of Neurology. Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge – IDIBELL, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Ciències Clíniques, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain.

PMID:
36029708
DOI:
10. 1016/j.msard.2022.104103

Free article

Lucía Romero-Pinel et al.

Mult Scler Relat Disord.

2022 Dec.

Free article

. 2022 Dec;68:104103.

doi: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.104103.

Epub 2022 Aug 9.

Authors

Lucía Romero-Pinel¹, Laura Bau², Elisabet Matas², Isabel León², Albert Muñoz-Vendrell², Pablo Arroyo², Cristina Masuet-Aumatell³, Antonio Martínez-Yélamos⁴, Sergio Martínez-Yélamos⁴

Affiliations

¹ Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Department of Neurology. Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge – IDIBELL, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain. Electronic address: [email protected].
² Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Department of Neurology. Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge – IDIBELL, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
³ Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine. Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge – IDIBELL, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
⁴ Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Department of Neurology. Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge – IDIBELL, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Ciències Clíniques, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain.

PMID:
36029708
DOI:
10. 1016/j.msard.2022.104103

Abstract

Background:

Patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) most commonly experience their first symptoms between 20 and 40 years of age. The objective of this study was to investigate how the age at which the first symptoms of RRMS occur has changed over the past decades.

Methods:

Patients who were followed up in our unit after an initial diagnosis of RRMS using the Poser or McDonald criteria and who experienced their first symptoms between January 1970 and December 2019 were included in the study. The cohort was divided into five groups according to the decade in which the first symptoms appeared. The age at disease onset was compared across decades. Changes in age were also determined after excluding patients with early-onset disease (<18 years of age) and those with late-onset disease (>50 years of age) to avoid bias.

Results:

The cohort included 1,622 patients with RRMS, 67.6% of whom were women. Among them, 5.9% and 4% had early-onset and late-onset disease, respectively. The mean age ± standard deviation at onset was 31.11 ± 9.82 years, with no differences between men and women. The mean ages at onset were 23.79 ± 10.19 years between 1970 and 1979, 27.86 ± 9.22 years between 1980 and 1989, 30.07 ± 9.32 years between 1990 and 1999, 32.12 ± 9.47 between 2000 and 2009, and 34.28 ± 9.83 years between 2010 and 2019. The ages at disease onset were progressively higher in the later decades; this trend was statistically significant (p < 0.001), with a Pearson linear correlation coefficient R of 0.264 and R² of 0.070 (p < 0.001). The results were similar when analysing men and women separately. We conducted an analysis of 1,460 patients (mean age at onset: 31.10 ± 7.99 years), after excluding patients with early-onset and late-onset disease. In this specific subgroup, the mean ages at disease onset were 28.38 ± 8.17 years between 1970 and 1979, 29.22 ± 7.51 years between 1980 and 1989, 30.06 ± 8.02 years between 1990 and 1999, 31.46 ± 7.77 years between 2000 and 2009, and 33.37 ± 7.97 years between 2010 and 2019. The trend was also statistically significant (p < 0.001), with a Pearson linear correlation coefficient R of 0.193 and R² of 0.037 (p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Our data showed that the age at RRMS onset has increased over the past decades.

Keywords:

Age at onset; Disease course; Epidemiology; Multiple sclerosis; Relapsing-remitting.

Conflict of interest statement

w3.org/1998/Math/MathML” xmlns:p1=”http://pubmed.gov/pub-one”>Declaration of Competing Interest Lucía Romero-Pinel, Laura Bau, Elisabet Matas, Isabel León, Albert Muñoz-Vendrell, Pablo Arroyo, Antonio Martínez-Yélamos, and Sergio Martínez-Yélamos received honoraria for participating on advisory boards and for collaborations as consultants and scientific communications; they also received research support as well as funding for travel and congress-attending expenses from Roche, Biogen Idec, Novartis, TEVA, Merck, Genzyme, Sanofi, Bayer, Almirall, and Celgene. Cristina Masuet-Aumatell received honoraria for participating on advisory boards and for collaborations as a consultant and scientific communications and has received research support as well as funding for travel and congress-related expenses from GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Seqirus, Emergent and Sanofi Pasteur.

Cited by

Genetically Determined Levels of mTOR-Dependent Circulating Proteins and Risk of Multiple Sclerosis.
Zhang YC, Fan KY, Wang Q, Hu JX, Wang Q, Zhang HY, Song S, Zhao R, Qiao J, Zhang SX.
Zhang YC, et al.
Neurol Ther. 2023 Jun;12(3):751-762. doi: 10.1007/s40120-023-00455-y. Epub 2023 Mar 4.
Neurol Ther. 2023.
PMID: 36870011
Free PMC article.

MeSH terms

What is multiple sclerosis, signs, stages, treatment

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system. The pathology is based on autoimmune processes of damage to the myelin sheaths of axons. The conduction of nerve impulses is disturbed, characteristic symptoms develop. The disease is treated by a neurologist.

Etiology and causes

It is difficult to name the exact causes of multiple sclerosis – the mechanism for triggering autoimmune processes is unclear. It is only known that a viral infection can become a provoking factor. The microorganism in the human body produces proteins that trigger an abnormal immune response. Autoreactive B- and T-lymphocytes are activated in the lymph nodes.

The disease affects people of all ages and both sexes, but the diagnosis is more often made in young Caucasian women living in countries of northern latitudes.

The myelin sheath of axons plays an important role in the transmission of nerve impulses between cells. In multiple sclerosis, a person’s own immune system partially destroys this structure. Demyelination sites can be located in various parts of the body. In place of damaged cells, a sclerotic plaque is formed from connective tissue, which completely blocks electrical signals. As a result, the main function of nerve fibers is inhibited.

Among the most common causes of multiple sclerosis is heredity. If there are people in the family with neurological diseases or autoimmune pathologies, the risks increase by about 30%. Another 70% are non-genetic factors of multiple sclerosis.

It is important to understand that it is not the disease itself that is inherited, but a predisposition to it. If one of the parents had multiple sclerosis, then in only 2% of cases the child is diagnosed with the same diagnosis. The rest of the babies remain only at an increased risk. That is, other things being equal, the risk of developing the disease in a child with a burdened heredity is higher than in children from healthy parents.

The precipitating factors for multiple sclerosis are:

1. Age. Diagnosis is most often made between the ages of 20 and 40 years. But multiple sclerosis can develop in children and the elderly. The later the debut, the more severe the disease.

2. Infections. The risk of developing multiple sclerosis increases the presence of cytomegalovirus, polyoma and retroviruses, Epstein-Barr virus, which causes mononucleosis.

3. Dysbacteriosis. Oddly enough, but the intestinal microflora directly affects the immune system. It is recognized that bacteria help active defender cells recognize the threat and eliminate it in time. For unknown reasons, sometimes the antigens of intestinal microorganisms provoke autoimmune processes and cause the progress of demyelination. Evidence for the theory comes from animal and human studies.

4. Smoking. Nicotine increases risks and accelerates the destructive action of the immune system.

5. Poor nutrition. Doctors around the world are suggesting that excessive consumption of saturated animal fats can provoke the development of multiple sclerosis.

Symptoms of multiple sclerosis

Manifestations of the disease are individual. The nature of the symptoms depends on the location and degree of destruction of nerve fibers.

A sign of multiple sclerosis can be:

numbness, weakness in the limbs;
difficulty in moving;
reflex disorders;
decreased visual acuity for no apparent reason;
unsteady gait;
double vision, dizziness;
increased muscle tone;
change in the nature of speech: it may become slow;
increased fatigue and weakness;
emotional instability;
urination disorder, etc.

The first symptoms may appear at a young age, in 20-40 years. In the early stages of multiple sclerosis, patients rarely pay attention to warning signs, continue to live and work in the same rhythm. Periods of exacerbations are replaced by remissions, sometimes without taking medications. Several years may elapse between episodes of the disease. Gradually, the intervals decrease. When the disease progresses, the person himself notices changes in his condition and consults a doctor. Severe symptoms of multiple sclerosis reduce the quality of life.

In medical practice, there are cases of rapid progression. Early multiple sclerosis in just a few years goes into advanced stages. The loss of motor activity progresses constantly and leads to disability, while other patients with the same debut continue to lead a full life in society.

Forms of multiple sclerosis

Allocate:

1. Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). This is a harbinger of multiple sclerosis. A clinically isolated syndrome is the manifestation of one or more neurological symptoms for 24 hours or longer.

2. Relapsing-remitting form of multiple sclerosis. The period between exacerbations lasts for years and even decades. At the same time, disability is steadily increasing. The relapsing form inevitably progresses. Sometimes it is short or completely absent.

3. Secondary progressive form of multiple sclerosis. The disease develops within a few years after the establishment of remitting pathology. In every second case, the secondary progressive form occurs 10 years after the onset of symptoms. 30 years after relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in 90% of patients are diagnosed with transition to this stage. The disease is characterized by a severe course with a constant increase in symptoms.

4. Primary progressive form of multiple sclerosis. Pathology is severe from the very beginning, without remissions, leads to rapid disability.

Diagnostics

The disease has no specific symptoms. At an early stage of multiple sclerosis, the examination of the patient does not reveal any pathologies. Inexperienced professionals often conclude that unusual symptoms are caused by overwork or the emotional state of the patient. Retrospective assessments show that every second patient has been ill for at least 5 years by the time of visiting a doctor.

Any of the clear signs of multiple sclerosis can be observed in other pathologies of the nervous system. Therefore, it is important to conduct a differential diagnosis with an experienced specialist.

The complex of surveys includes:

1. MRI of the brain and spinal cord. The images show damaged areas of nerve fibers. For better detail, an MRI with contrast is performed. If there are no plaques on the tomogram, but the patient is diagnosed with a clinically isolated syndrome, then the risk of developing multiple sclerosis is low.

2. CSF analysis. Puncture to collect cerebrospinal fluid. With multiple sclerosis, myelin breakdown products are found in the cerebrospinal fluid. The results of the analysis are not sufficient for an unambiguous diagnosis, but are necessary for a comprehensive assessment of the clinical picture.

3. Dopplerography of vessels. Investigation is necessary to exclude other diseases with neurological symptoms.

4. Analysis of evoked potentials. Clarifying diagnostic method based on measuring the electrical activity of neurons in response to stimulation of specific nerve pathways. The analysis allows you to establish a violation of the conduction of the impulse caused by changes in the shells of axons.

5. Blood tests. Results are needed to rule out infectious diseases and autoimmune conditions that can affect the functioning of the nervous system.

To make an accurate diagnosis, the doctor needs to detect signs of demyelination in two different areas of the central nervous system (scattering), confirm plaque formation at different times, and exclude other possible neurological diseases. Therefore, according to the results of the first examination, the specialist writes assumptions. The final diagnosis is made after the discovery of new plaques on repeated images, which are taken at intervals of 6 months.

Treatment

Medical treatment

Therapy for multiple sclerosis is aimed at reducing the activity of the immune system in terms of attacks on the sheaths of nerve fibers. The doctor prescribes medicines in the form of injections or tablets. Modern drugs help to stop the processes of neurodegeneration and significantly increase the life expectancy of the patient. The earlier treatment of multiple sclerosis is started, the better the prognosis. In advanced cases, a persistent neurological deficit develops, which is not amenable to therapy and leads to disability.

More than 10 drugs have been approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis in the world, conditionally divided into 4 groups:

1. Immunomodulating agents. Active substances inhibit the activation of autoreactive lymphocytes.

2. Selective drugs. The drug binds to receptors on lymphocytes and prevents them from leaving the lymph nodes.

3. Humanized monoclonal antibodies. The drugs prevent the penetration of autoreactive lymphocytes to the focus of inflammation.

4. Immunosuppressants. Suppress the activity of the immune system.

The effectiveness of drugs against relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive forms of the disease has been proven. Currently, research is underway on drugs for the treatment of primary progressive multiple sclerosis. Some drugs are included in the list of vital drugs and are purchased at the expense of the federal budget.

Multiple sclerosis with onset in middle age and without quality treatment for several years can be fatal. The cause of death is usually kidney failure, which develops against the background of recurrent urinary tract infections.

Hemocorrection treatment

The doctor’s goal is to cleanse the blood of immune complexes and decay products of nerve cells.
There are several modern methods of treatment:

1. Immunosorption. Selective method for the removal of immunoglobulins and low density lipoproteins from the blood. The content of other components remains unchanged.

2. Incubation of cell mass. The patient’s own blood structures, pharmacocytes, are used. With the help of cells, drugs are delivered directly to the site of destruction. The method allows to increase the effectiveness of drugs, reduce their dosage, reduce the risk of side effects.

3. Cascade plasma filtration. Viruses, bacteria, toxic substances are selectively removed from the substance, all side elements are preserved. The plasma passes through a special filter system.

4. Cryoapheresis. Semi-selective method based on the ability of large blood plasma molecules to form insoluble compounds and settle under low temperature conditions.

5. Lymphocytopheresis. Lymphocytes, cells of the immune system, are removed from the blood. The method allows you to suppress abnormal reactions without taking drugs and with virtually no side effects.

6. Photopheresis. The blood outside the patient’s body is exposed to ultraviolet radiation at a specific wavelength. Light causes the death of lymphocytes. After that, the blood is returned to the vessels.

Autologous stem cell transplant

One of the new treatments that involves “rebooting” the immune system. Before transplantation, complete destruction of autoreactive lymphocytes is achieved. Then the patient is injected with his own hematopoietic stem cells, the immune system restores protective structures, but without abnormal reactions. The technique cannot affect those changes that have already occurred. But transplantation significantly slows down or completely stops further demyelination.

Treatment is complex, long, requires constant medical supervision. The patient is currently in the hospital. After transplantation, rehabilitation is necessary, which takes several months – until the functions of the immune system are restored.

Over the past 20 years, doctors around the world have made great progress in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Drugs are being developed that suppress autoimmune inflammation at different stages of development. Cellular technologies help to partially restore the lost functions of the nervous system, while, of course, within the framework of clinical studies.

Diagnosis and treatment of multiple sclerosis in Moscow

Timely and high-quality medical care will help maintain the quality of life in multiple sclerosis for many years. Sign up for a consultation with a neurologist at the MedEx clinic. In our center you will find a comprehensive examination and competent treatment. The doctors of the clinic constantly improve their qualifications, study new drugs and technologies, and help patients achieve the desired results. You can make an appointment through the feedback form or by phone.

May 27 is International Multiple Sclerosis Day

05/27/2022

May 27 is International Multiple Sclerosis Day.

Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that can affect several areas of the brain and spinal cord at once. In the world, this disease affects about 2-2.5 million people. The total number of patients with this disease in our country is about 200 thousand. And most of them are young people between the ages of 20 and 40.

Multiple sclerosis, according to WHO, ranks third among diseases of the central nervous system (after vascular diseases and epilepsy). Today, the head of the Center for Consultative Assistance to Patients with Multiple Sclerosis of the CDC, neurologist Olga Anatolyevna Soldatova talks about a complex disease:

– How common is this disease today? How many patients with multiple sclerosis in our region?

О. А.: More than 100 thousand people suffer from multiple sclerosis in Russia, more than 1000 patients are registered in the Omsk region. The average prevalence of the disease is about 60 people per 100,000 population.
The incidence of multiple sclerosis and autoimmune disease is generally increasing worldwide. This is due, among other things, to the development of diagnostic capabilities at the earliest stages. Multiple sclerosis is one of the most common causes of persistent disability in young people.

– Is multiple sclerosis incurable?

O.A.: We do not use the term “incurable disease”, this is a very pessimistic description. Multiple sclerosis is included in the group of chronic progressive diseases. But it is important to emphasize that today this disease is curable, that is, it is treatable, it can be effectively controlled, which allows patients to maintain an active life and work capacity for a long time. In this disease, early diagnosis is important, because we have the opportunity to minimize the progression of the disease and stabilize the patient at the stage at which we met with him, established the diagnosis and began treatment.

– Is multiple sclerosis considered a disease of the young? At what age does it most often appear?

О.А.: According to statistics, the onset of the disease occurs at the age of 16-35 years, rarely in childhood and over 50 years of age. On average, the disease most often manifests itself in 25-30 years. Therefore, multiple sclerosis is truly a “disease of the young.”

– What are the symptoms of this disease?

OA: The difficulty is that multiple sclerosis has no specific symptoms. Most often, visual disturbances occur (especially in one eye) at the onset of the disease; unsteadiness, weakness, and numbness may also appear. In the literature there are various popular names for multiple sclerosis – “monkey of all diseases”, “a disease with a thousand faces”. Therefore, the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis is a very complex and lengthy process; the diagnosis, like a puzzle, consists of many components. For diagnostics, all modern research methods are used, including MRI, laboratory and functional diagnostics.

– When you come to see you for the first time, does it mean that you continue to see patients for the rest of your life?

О.А.: Yes, as a rule, I see patients all the time from the moment they apply, in the process I get to know their families, I know the life situation of almost every of my regular patients. I also maintain a separate register of pregnant women – more than 50 young women with multiple sclerosis have already been able to endure and give birth to children.

– How difficult is it for people to accept their diagnosis?

О. А.: Of course, the psychological aspect is very important. It is often difficult for young people to accept their illness on a psychological level. They read information in open sources and until the last moment they are not ready to apply it to themselves. We try to convince of the importance of starting treatment at the initial stage in order to preserve the quality of life to which he is accustomed for as long as possible. However, we are not omnipotent, the type of course of the disease, which is genetically determined, is of great importance.

– If the disease cannot be completely cured, what can be considered a good result?

О.А.: We start treatment from the moment when the diagnosis is made, our main task is to stay at this level, if we manage to do this for many years, then this is a good result. In general, a stable state without clinical manifestations of the pathological process is the main goal we are striving for.

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Challenges of Late-Onset MS

Risk Factors for Multiple Sclerosis

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MeSH terms

What is multiple sclerosis, signs, stages, treatment

Etiology and causes

Symptoms of multiple sclerosis

Forms of multiple sclerosis

Diagnostics

Treatment

Diagnosis and treatment of multiple sclerosis in Moscow

May 27 is International Multiple Sclerosis Day

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