Blood test can detect multiple sclerosis nine years before symptoms begin, say scientists

Scientists are developing a simple blood test to predict multiple sclerosis up to nine years before the onset of symptoms.

Experts predict that the discovery could lead to much earlier treatment to prevent the disease progressing.

At present, doctors have no way of detecting MS before symptoms develop and patients are frequently diagnosed too late.

But a team of Israeli doctors and scientists have identified certain chemicals which, if present in the blood, indicate the person may get the disease.

These ‘chemical markers’ could lead to a test.

Professor Anat Achiron, of Tel Aviv University’s faculty of medicine, said: ‘Every time we meet a new patient exhibiting symptoms of MS, we must ask ourselves how long this has been going on.

Read more: www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1287161/Blood-test-detect-multiple-sclerosis-years-symptoms-begin-say-scientists.html#ixzz0r9RMD1yz