Multiple Sclerosis: A Blood Test to Prevent Disability

A simple blood test could revolutionize healthcare for patients affected by multiple sclerosis and prevent disability, according to a recent study.

This test would allow prediction of disease progression and treatment effectiveness, especially by detecting signs of nerve damage in the patient’s blood.

Multiple sclerosis, or multiple sclerosis, which affects the brain and spinal cord, is characterized by:

• muscle weakness or paralysis,
• visual disturbances,
• problems with balance,
• coordination problems,
• vertigo,
• memory problems,
• severe fatigue.

According to the International Multiple Sclerosis Federation, the risk of the disease is higher in people who have relatives with this condition.

Risk factors for multiple sclerosis include:

• age: this disease is more common in people between 20 and 40;
• gender: women are more exposed;
• viral infections with Epstein Barr;
• lack of vitamin D;
• the presence of autoimmune diseases: psoriasis, diabetes type 1, pernicious anemia.

This neurodegenerative disease, of an autoimmune type, is associated with many COMBINEDthere are two main types of manifestation: the relapsing form, characterized by pustules followed by relief, and the progressive form, in which the symptoms get worse without stopping.

The study of this blood test was presented at the recent European Congress for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis in Copenhagen.

The researchers found that patients with high levels of a protein that indicates nerve damage were 45 percent more likely to suffer a relapse.

With the help of this trial, better targeted treatments could be given to patients at higher risk, which would improve their care and delay the progression of the disease.

The results of this study reinforce the real need for personalized treatment methods,” said Dr. Enric Monreal, multiple sclerosis specialist in Madrid and author of the study.

Multiple sclerosis treatment is symptomatic and aims to improve the patient’s quality of life by reducing the intensity, duration and frequency of clinical manifestations.