New study reveals early signs of MS in children and teenagers

Children and teenagers may show a range of early signs and symptoms in the five years leading up to a multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis, according to a new study.

These early signs can include obesity, sensory changes, and vision problems, which could serve as clues for identifying MS earlier in young people.

While a prodromal phase – a period where non-specific symptoms and conditions occur more frequently before an MS diagnosis – has been well documented in adults, this research is among the first to confirm its presence in children and adolescents.

“The findings suggest that children and adolescents with MS have diverse metabolic, ocular, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular symptoms, signs, and diseases within fi years before their MS diagnosis,” the researchers wrote.

Understanding these early signs could lead to quicker diagnoses and improved long-term outcomes for young patients, the team suggested.