VANCOUVER, August 1, 2025 – People who go on to develop multiple sclerosis (MS) show significantly increased use of healthcare services as early as 15 years before their first neurological symptoms appear, according to new research from the University of British Columbia.
The study, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed the health records of over 12,000 individuals diagnosed with MS in Canada, tracking their medical interactions for years before their diagnosis. Researchers found that these individuals made more frequent visits to family doctors, specialists and emergency departments long before traditional MS symptoms such as numbness or difficulty walking began.
Key early symptoms included fatigue, pain, dizziness and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. These issues often led to consultations with psychiatrists, neurologists and ophthalmologists, as well as increased use of radiology and emergency services. The pattern suggests a long and complex prodromal phase of MS, with a gradual rise in medical consultations that begins more than a decade before diagnosis.
The study’s authors, led by neurologist Dr. Helen Tremlett and research fellow Dr. Marta Ruiz‑Algueró, say these findings could help redefine how MS is identified and studied. By recognizing subtle early changes in healthcare use, clinicians may one day be able to spot the disease earlier and develop strategies for earlier intervention or monitoring.
While not all individuals who report these general symptoms will develop MS, the results suggest that early patterns in health service use could serve as warning signs, paving the way for earlier diagnosis and better long-term outcomes.