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website.Listen to a discussion about the MS prodrome in a RealTalk MS Podcast , featuring article author, Dr. Helen Tremlett. What are the common signs and symptoms of MS? Find out from an expert in this webinar . “Health Care Use Before Multiple Sclerosis Symptom Onset” by Marta Ruiz-Algueró, MD, PhD; Feng Zhu, MSc; Anibal Chertcoff, MD; Yinshan Zhao, PhD; Ruth Ann Marrie, MD, PhD; Helen Tremlett, PhD, is published in JAMA Network Open (2025;8(8):e2524635).Physician visits were higher among 2,038 people with MS, compared with 10,182 people without MS, as early as 15 years before the onset of MS symptoms. This new study from the University of British Columbia and others in Canada was funded by research grants from the National MS Society and MS Canada. Learn more about the earliest signs and symptoms of MS below. Background: Researchers are increasingly uncovering evidence of a prodromal phase for multiple sclerosis. A prodrome is an early phase of signs or symptoms that can indicate the onset of a disease before more typical symptoms appear. Led by Dr. Helen Tremlett, this team has previously reported that psychiatric symptoms and healthcare usage are increased in the 5-10 years before MS onset, building the case for an MS prodrome.The Study: Investigators looked at the health records of 2,038 people with MS, and compared data with 10,182 people without MS. The team looked at the rates of physician visits up to 25 years before the onset of MS symptoms. This is the first study to look that far back. Neurologists record the date of MS symptom onset after taking a medical history and neurological examination.Results: The results show increases in healthcare usage for as much as 15 years before MS onset.14–15 years before MS – increase in visits to general practice physicians, and increase in visits to any physician for fatigue, pain, dizziness and mental health (e.g., anxiety and depression) 12 years before MS – increase in visits to a psychiatrist, indicating mental health issues 8–9 years before MS – increase in visits to neurologists and ophthalmologists, indicating nervous system and eye-related issues 3–5 years before MS – increase in other specialty physician visits (e.g., emergency medicine and radiology) 1 year before MS – increase in visits to internal medicine specialists Why Does this Matter? This study builds on growing evidence of the MS prodrome. It is critical to understand how early MS begins. If we can pinpoint the earliest signs, it suggests that in the future, people who develop MS could be diagnosed sooner, and the disease could be managed earlier. Understanding when MS begins also is crucial to determining its cause.Learn More… Read about the MS prodrome and research progress on our website . Listen to a discussion about the MS prodrome in a RealTalk MS Podcast , featuring article author, Dr. Helen Tremlett. What are the common signs and symptoms of MS? Find out from an expert in this webinar . “Health Care Use Before Multiple Sclerosis Symptom Onset” by Marta Ruiz-Algueró, MD, PhD; Feng Zhu, MSc; Anibal Chertcoff, MD; Yinshan Zhao, PhD; Ruth Ann Marrie, MD, PhD; Helen Tremlett, PhD, is published in JAMA Network Open (2025;8(8):e2524635). website.Listen to a discussion about the MS prodrome in a RealTalk MS Podcast , featuring article author, Dr. Helen Tremlett. What are the common signs and symptoms of MS? Find out from an expert in this webinar . “Health Care Use Before Multiple Sclerosis Symptom Onset” by Marta Ruiz-Algueró, MD, PhD; Feng Zhu, MSc; Anibal Chertcoff, MD; Yinshan Zhao, PhD; Ruth Ann Marrie, MD, PhD; Helen Tremlett, PhD, is published in JAMA Network Open (2025;8(8):e2524635).Physician visits were higher among 2,038 people with MS, compared with 10,182 people without MS, as early as 15 years before the onset of MS symptoms. This new study from the University of British Columbia and others in Canada was funded by research grants from the National MS Society and MS Canada. Learn more about the earliest signs and symptoms of MS below. Background: Researchers are increasingly uncovering evidence of a prodromal phase for multiple sclerosis. A prodrome is an early phase of signs or symptoms that can indicate the onset of a disease before more typical symptoms appear. Led by Dr. Helen Tremlett, this team has previously reported that psychiatric symptoms and healthcare usage are increased in the 5-10 years before MS onset, building the case for an MS prodrome.The Study: Investigators looked at the health records of 2,038 people with MS, and compared data with 10,182 people without MS. The team looked at the rates of physician visits up to 25 years before the onset of MS symptoms. This is the first study to look that far back. Neurologists record the date of MS symptom onset after taking a medical history and neurological examination.Results: The results show increases in healthcare usage for as much as 15 years before MS onset.14–15 years before MS – increase in visits to general practice physicians, and increase in visits to any physician for fatigue, pain, dizziness and mental health (e.g., anxiety and depression) 12 years before MS – increase in visits to a psychiatrist, indicating mental health issues 8–9 years before MS – increase in visits to neurologists and ophthalmologists, indicating nervous system and eye-related issues 3–5 years before MS – increase in other specialty physician visits (e.g., emergency medicine and radiology) 1 year before MS – increase in visits to internal medicine specialists Why Does this Matter? This study builds on growing evidence of the MS prodrome. It is critical to understand how early MS begins. If we can pinpoint the earliest signs, it suggests that in the future, people who develop MS could be diagnosed sooner, and the disease could be managed earlier. Understanding when MS begins also is crucial to determining its cause.Learn More… Read about the MS prodrome and research progress on our website . Listen to a discussion about the MS prodrome in a RealTalk MS Podcast , featuring article author, Dr. Helen Tremlett. What are the common signs and symptoms of MS? Find out from an expert in this webinar . “Health Care Use Before Multiple Sclerosis Symptom Onset” by Marta Ruiz-Algueró, MD, PhD; Feng Zhu, MSc; Anibal Chertcoff, MD; Yinshan Zhao, PhD; Ruth Ann Marrie, MD, PhD; Helen Tremlett, PhD, is published in JAMA Network Open (2025;8(8):e2524635). nationalmssociety.org, Facebook , X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram , YouTube or 1-800-344-4867 . " c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host="">About Multiple Sclerosis Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system. Currently there is no cure. Symptoms vary from person to person and may include disabling fatigue, mobility challenges, cognitive changes, and vision issues. An estimated 1 million people live with MS in the United States. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to minimize disability. Significant progress is being made to achieve a world free of MS. About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society The National MS Society, founded in 1946, is the global leader of a growing movement dedicated to creating a world free of MS. The Society funds cutting-edge research for a cure, drives change through advocacy and provides programs and services to help people affected by MS live their best lives. Connect to learn more and get involved: nationalmssociety.org , Facebook , X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram , YouTube or 1-800-344-4867 . nationalmssociety.org, Facebook , X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram , YouTube or 1-800-344-4867 . " c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host="">About Multiple Sclerosis Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system. Currently there is no cure. Symptoms vary from person to person and may include disabling fatigue, mobility challenges, cognitive changes, and vision issues. An estimated 1 million people live with MS in the United States. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to minimize disability. Significant progress is being made to achieve a world free of MS. About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society The National MS Society, founded in 1946, is the global leader of a growing movement dedicated to creating a world free of MS. The Society funds cutting-edge research for a cure, drives change through advocacy and provides programs and services to help people affected by MS live their best lives. Connect to learn more and get involved: nationalmssociety.org , Facebook , X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram , YouTube or 1-800-344-4867 .
Physician Visits Increase Before Symptom