How was multiple sclerosis discovered

You may be surprised to know that records of multiple sclerosis (MS) go back hundreds of years, far before its initial discovery and way before anyone knew what exactly this disease was or what it did to the body.

Records of MS through time

One of the earliest documented cases was in 1395, in Holland from a 16-year-old girl called Lidwina. It’s not 100% certain that she had it, but she experienced blindness in one eye, weakness (likely fatigue), and pain which are all very common occurrences in multiple sclerosis. It was recorded that due to her symptoms she experienced a fall on a frozen canal whilst skating, which is where this story began. As there isn’t any more evidence, we can only speculate that this was one of the first ever recorded cases. She would later be known as the saint of chronic pain and ice skating, and still is to this day.

It wasn’t until 1868 we would have solid evidence around multiple sclerosis, this time being the proper discovery of it. The condition was defined by the French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot in an interesting way. He had a servant who was initially diagnosed with ‘shaking palsy’ but gradually became worse until she was unable to walk. Her autopsy which he carried out led to the discovery that she had many lesions in the brain and spinal cord. This discover then led Charcot to accurately diagnose others with similar symptoms with what we now know as multiple sclerosis.

Since then, research into MS has only grown. Development, treatments, and methods of diagnosis have refined over time and discoveries into the finer details of this the auto immune disease have led to far greater advancements.

How was it treated in the past?

We would today consider what was prescribed for MS as archaic, and this example was only back in the early 20^th century. A man by the name of Bruce Fredrick Cummings wrote in his journal about his experiences with MS, including depression, fatigue, weakness in limbs and so on. It was documented that his medications contained arsenic (a poisonous chemical element), strychnine (a biotoxin from certain trees used for pest control today), and “two months’ rest in the countryside”.

Knowing what we do today, this kind of prescription would most likely get a doctor’s medical license taken away if it were prescribed. Thankfully, prescriptions are now far safer and actually make a difference to MSers’ lives in a positive way.

Advances in diagnosis

Understanding factors of development

More in-depth research has suggested that elements such as genetics can determine how likely a person is to get MS. In addition, things such as how much vitamin D a person absorbs and a correlation of more women experiencing symptoms have been discovered, giving us much more insight into the disease.

MRI Scans

The use of magnetic resonance imaging scans has improved the rate at which lesions are found within the brain and spinal cord tremendously. It is now far easier for medical professionals to identify these, henceforth improving diagnoses and how the progression of MS is tracked.

Disease modifying therapies (DMTs)

These medications are used to help people with multiple sclerosis manage relapse frequency and severity. They have also been found to delay the progression of long-term MS and new lesions forming.

Lumbar puncture

This procedure enables the analysis of spinal fluid which can help in determining if someone is experiencing. Extracting this is a simple procedure that may cause some discomfort both as it’s being done and afterwards.

Complementary therapies

In addition to more traditional medications, MSers can use other therapies to help manage symptoms. Popular examples include acupuncture, massage, oxygen therapy, and mindfulness to name a few.

It’s important to note that there are many options out there and that not all of them will work for you, so use what works best.

Within the last few decades, massive amounts of vital research have been done to help diagnose and manage the impacts of MS and it has paid dividends. There are over 15 licensed Disease Modifying Therapies (DMTs) that all make a huge difference to patients already. We’re hopeful at MS-UK that more developments will follow, making the lives of MSers healthier and happier.

If this brief history of multiple sclerosis has intrigued you, then we have plenty of up-to-date information on MS too! Simply click the button below to find our informational Choices Booklets, which go into much detail around the specifics of multiple sclerosis.