Predicting who’ll develop MS after optic neuritis
Diagnosing MS as early as possible is vital. Studies show that early, highly-effective treatment slows MS disease progression and prevents disability. Emerging evidence also suggests it’s possible to delay the onset of MS.
Optic neuritis (inflammation of the nerve connecting the eye and brain) can be the first symptom of MS for some people. Up to half of all people affected by optic neuritis in the UK are eventually diagnosed with MS, often a few years later.
If we can identify who is most at risk of developing MS after having optic neuritis, it could lead to early diagnosis and open an early window of opportunity to begin treatment.
About the project
Dr Braithwaite’s team have shown for the first time that combining genetic and other risk factors (age and sex) separated people with optic neuritis into low and high risk of developing MS. And they’ve turned this into a web-based risk tool.
The team plan to recruit 180 patients with a history of optic neuritis from three London eye centres to test the tool. They’ll gather clinical data and genetic samples to assess how well the tool predicts future MS and vision outcomes.
They’ll also explore how acceptable and understandable the tool is to participants, including those from underserved communities. And they’ll assess attitudes toward receiving personal genetic risk information, supported by a genetic counsellor. The findings will help refine the tool and inform best practices for communicating MS risk in a clear, supportive, and inclusive way.
How will it help people with MS?
If successful, it could help people who are at high risk of developing MS to make more informed treatment decisions. It could also guide earlier diagnosis and treatment of MS to improve long-term outcomes.
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