Eyes May Reveal Multiple Sclerosis Progression

Retina thinning may reveal how rapidly multiple sclerosis is progressing, researchers from Johns Hopkins MS Center reported in the journal Neurology. The scientists explained that they referred to the thinning of “a layer of the retina in the eyes”.

The researchers found that a 42% faster thinning of that portion of the retina was observed in patients with MS relapses, compared to MS patients with no relapses.

Below are some more findings from this research:

• MS patients with gadolinium-enhancing lesions (inflammatory lesions) had 54% faster thinning
• MS patients with new T2 lesions had 36% faster thinning that those with MS who did not have these features of MRI activity
• Participants whose level of disability got worse during the study had 37% more thinning, compared to patients whose level of disability did not change
• Participants who had the disease less than five years showed 43 percent faster thinning than those who had the disease more than five years.

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Obese Girls Have Higher Risk Of multiple sclerosis (MS)

Although a rare condition, multiple sclerosis (MS) appears to be more common among overweight and obese girls, to the point where extremely obese girls have nearly four times the risk of developing the neurological disease, or its precursor clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). This was the finding of a new study whose authors urge parents to consult a doctor should their obese children develop symptoms like numbness and tingling.

Multiple sclerosis is a central nervous system disease that damages the nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord, making it difficult for various signals, such as for muscle control, touch and vision, to travel. MS has varying, unpredictable symptoms, and they affect each person differently. Common symptoms include blurring of vision, numbness and tingling, muscle weakness and tightness, and problems with balance and mobility.

Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) is a term that describes a first clinical episode (lasting at least 24 hours) with features suggestive of MS. Although patients usually recover, it is often the first sign of MS.

While there is currently no cure for MS, many researchers believe it is just a matter of time before one is found, especially as we find out more and more about the disease and the underlying biological mechanisms.

Even though pediatric MS remains rare, our study suggests that parents or caregivers of obese teenagers should pay attention to symptoms such as tingling and numbness or limb weakness, and bring them to a doctor’s attention.