Multiple sclerosis (MS) is often seen as a condition that appears suddenly, but new research reveals that the body may send subtle signals up to 15 years before an official diagnosis.
Here are some surprising early indicators that doctors now believe could be part of the disease’s prodromal phase.
More doctor visits years before diagnosis
People who later develop MS tend to visit the healthcare system significantly more often up to 15 years before the disease is diagnosed.
This suggests that the body is already responding to early changes caused by MS.
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Mental health as an early red flag
As early as 14 years prior to MS onset, there is a noticeable increase in doctor visits related to mental health problems.
Anxiety and depression occur far more frequently in people who will later be diagnosed with MS.
Vague and unexplained symptoms
Many patients seek medical help for diffuse symptoms without a clear diagnosis. These vague issues begin up to 15 years before the formal onset of the disease.
Increase in eye doctor visits
Eye-related consultations increase starting nine years before diagnosis.
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Blurred vision and other visual disturbances become especially common in the year leading up to diagnosis.
Nervous system-related issues
Four years prior, and especially in the year immediately before diagnosis, there’s a rise in consultations involving the nervous system.
This suggests that neurological changes are already taking place.
Injuries and falls
Unexplained injuries and falls are also early indicators. Many patients had a higher number of medical visits related to accidents as early as 14 years before being diagnosed with MS.
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Muscle and joint issues
Around five years before diagnosis, patients begin reporting more muscle and joint problems.
These symptoms could be linked to early neurological disruptions in the body.
More emergency room visits
Emergency room visits become more common among future MS patients about five years before diagnosis, possibly due to accidents or sudden, unexplained health issues.
Migraines and dizziness
Two years before the official diagnosis, many people experience more frequent migraines, dizziness, and vertigo.
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Symptoms that are consistent with neurological disturbances.
Increase in radiological exams
Three years prior to diagnosis, there's a rise in radiological scans and imaging procedures.
This shows that symptoms were already significant enough to warrant further investigation.
Changes in pregnancy and childbirth patterns
Interestingly, visits related to pregnancy and childbirth declined in certain years. Especially two and five years before an MS diagnosis.
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Researchers see this as a noteworthy behavioral pattern.
Psychological struggles
Growing levels of anxiety and depression in the years before MS diagnosis suggest that mental health challenges may be among the first warning signs of the disease’s early phase.
This article is based on information from Medical News Today.