A study conducted from May 2020 to April 2021 followed 362 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) to evaluate the attack rate and neuroimaging results in MS patients with upper respiratory infections (URIs) caused by COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 infections. The study found that COVID-19 increases the risk of MS exacerbations similarly to other viral URIs. The exacerbation rate ratios (RR) for attacks related to COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 URIs were comparable, and there was no significant alteration in the number of baseline GAD-enhancing lesions during exacerbations within or outside the at-risk period (ARP). The findings suggest the need for appropriate protective measures to prevent further deterioration of MS patients' health during the pandemic.

Alison McEntee, a 51-year-old learning development professional from Glasgow, has experienced a remission in her multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms after using medical cannabis. Initially prescribed Plegridy, which had severe side effects without relief, Alison turned to cannabis following a recommendation from a Facebook support group. Despite the initial fear of sourcing it illegally, she found significant symptom relief. In 2019, she obtained a private cannabis prescription but is advocating for NHS accessibility due to the high cost, especially in light of rising living expenses. Alison has reached out to the First Minister to address this issue, as she believes cannabis has been a life-changing treatment for her MS.

The article discusses a recent study that has identified early 'warning signs' of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) that can appear up to five years before an official diagnosis is made. These signs are subtle symptoms that may not be immediately recognized as indicators of MS. The study's findings suggest that there is a pre-symptomatic phase of the disease where individuals may experience certain symptoms that could alert healthcare professionals to the risk of MS. The article emphasizes the importance of early detection and the potential for these findings to improve early intervention strategies. It also highlights the need for further research to understand the progression of MS and to develop better diagnostic tools.

A study using data from the UK MS Register examined the relationship between ethnicity and multiple sclerosis (MS) characteristics in the UK. The research found that individuals from Black and South Asian ethnic backgrounds tend to be diagnosed with MS at a younger age compared to White individuals. However, there was no evidence of a more severe disease course or association between ethnic background and MS severity across various participant-reported outcomes. The study highlights the importance of understanding the determinants of disability and healthcare disparities, suggesting that factors like socioeconomic status and healthcare access may play a role in MS outcomes.

The article discusses the role of oligodendrocytes and mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of various neurological disorders, including Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), and Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP). It highlights the importance of monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) in oligodendrocytes for lactate exchange and ATP homeostasis, and how disturbances in these processes can lead to neurodegeneration. The article also mentions the potential of mitochondria-targeted antioxidants as therapeutic agents and the significance of genetic and environmental factors in MS. It further explores the implications of mitochondrial health in MSA and the role of mitochondrial and myelin dysfunction in HSP. Lastly, it touches upon the consequences of mitochondrial fission and metabolic management in oligodendrocytes, and how these factors may influence cell growth and myelination.

The study investigates the healthcare expenditures and out-of-pocket (OOP) expenses for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 77 urban cities in China from 2013 to 2015. Using a generalized estimating equation model, it identifies factors influencing direct medical costs and OOP expenses for both inpatients and outpatients. Key findings include the mean costs per inpatient and outpatient, the percentage of expenses paid OOP, and factors such as tertiary hospital admission, length of stay, and regional residence contributing to higher costs. Females and outpatients with resident insurance were found to pay more OOP.