Healthcare, Australia (Commonwealth Union) – UNSW medical researchers are leading the way in advancing the science of multiple sclerosis diagnosis and treatment.
Over 30,000 Australians are living with multiple sclerosis (MS), the most common neurological cause of disability in young adults.
Researchers of the study stated that although the number of people diagnosed with the disease has significantly increased in the past decade, largely due to early detection and longer lifespans, the severity of symptoms experienced by many has declined thanks to evolving treatments.
MS is a chronic autoimmune disorder that has an effect on the central nervous system (CNS). This progressive disease damages the myelin sheath, the protective layer that surrounds nerve fibers, causing interference in communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
Symptoms of MS vary based on the location and extent of CNS damage. Common symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness, tingling, numbness, coordination difficulties, balance issues, and cognitive impairment. Additionally, individuals with MS may experience vision problems such as blurred or double vision, and in some cases, complete vision loss.
MS is generally diagnosed between the individuals of 20 and 40 years old and has an impact females three times more often than males.
The severity and progression of MS vary from person to person. While there is no single known cause, genetic susceptibility, environmental and lifestyle factors, and infections—such as the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes glandular fever—have been shown to contribute to its development.
Previous research conducted a few years back has demonstrated that the control of infection with Epstein-Barr virus can help in treating MS.
Professor Arun Krishnan who is from the School of Clinical Medicine at UNSW Sydney and the Neuromuscular Disease and Multiple Sclerosis Research Group indicated that it is a disease that can bring about significant physical disability.
He further emphasized however that it is a lot less frequent than in the past and if a MS clinic was run 30 or 40 years ago, a lot of individuals would be in a wheelchair. He indicated that he does not have that have individuals in a wheelchair at present.
As of 2021, the latest data reveals that over 33,300 Australians are living with MS, roughly equating to 131 individuals per 100,000. This figure represents a 30% increase since 2017, indicating a notable uptick in MS cases, according to the most recent report commissioned by MS Australia and published last year by the Menzies Institute for Medical Research.
Across the world the MS cases have been on the rise, as evidenced by a comprehensive study analyzing data from 81 countries. The consensus among researchers is that advancements in early diagnosis, enhanced detection methods, and improved longevity all contribute to this trend.
Professor Krishnan concurs that the primary driver behind the surge is earlier and more accurate detection, attributing this to the increased availability of MRI scans, a key diagnostic tool, compared to previous decades. Additionally, certain risk factors may also play a role in the rise of MS cases.
“There is some association with a lack of sunlight exposure and other factors,” said Prof. Krishnan. “The areas of highest MS prevalence in the world tend to be at either end of the globe, so in Australia it is in Tasmania and the highest prevalence in the world is in northern Europe and Canada.”
He further noted that accounting for enhanced detection and longer survival, the real elevation in MS cases may be well under 30%.
Researchers of the study indicated that eventhough there is still no cure for MS, over a dozen disease-modifying therapies are available to help manage symptoms and slow the disease’s progression.
Professor Krishnan Brought up a a misconception that MS is untreatable or inevitably brings about significant disability. He added that it may have been accurate in the past, however at the present it is treatable, and early intervention greatly lowers the levels of disability.
“The treatments are good at preventing what we call relapses, which are sudden changes in physical function. Relapse rates around the world have just dropped dramatically with treatment.
“So, for example, that’s where you were fine on Friday and then on Monday you can’t text using your left hand. That’s a relapse. You’ll come into hospital, we’ll give you steroid therapy and then we’ll [assess what preventative drugs you’re on or may need to be on].”
Researchers of the study are also giving significance to the cornea of the eye in detection.
