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• MRI's predict MS risk

MRI's predict MS risk

Doctors may have a tool to help determine the diagnosis and prognosis of
multiple sclerosis. In a study published in the New England Journal of
Medicine, British researchers say that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help predict the risk and severity of MS. The researchers performed MRIs periodically on 71 patients for an average of 14
years. They found that 88 percent of the patients whose initial MRI showed damaged nerve fibers went on to develop symptoms of MS. Only 19 percent of the patients whose initial MRI was normal
developed the disease. The researchers also found that the patients with the most nerve damage on the initial MRI developed the most severe MS symptoms. The researchers say their findings
may make possible earlier diagnosis, and thus earlier treatment of the neurological disorder, The Associated Press reports.

For more on multiple sclerosis, go to:
http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/8320/8320.html

Reprinted from Blvd.com newsletter, January 2002