Health

Groundbreaking Study Reveals COVID-19 Doesn't Worsen Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms!

2024-12-23

Author: Sarah

In a significant development for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), a recent study published in the December 23, 2024 edition of the journal Neurology has shown that COVID-19 infection does not lead to an increase in severity of MS symptoms or disability. This finding is especially good news for the MS community, alleviating concerns about the potential long-term effects of COVID-19 on their existing condition.

According to Dr. Amber Salter from UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, and a member of the American Academy of Neurology, while infections are generally known to be linked with increased disability among MS patients, this study specifically found that COVID-19 does not follow that trend. “Our study found that for COVID-19 infections specifically, this was not true,” stated Dr. Salter. “This is good news for people with MS, as they do not need to worry about experiencing a long-term worsening of their symptoms after a COVID-19 infection.”

The groundbreaking study followed 2,132 adults with MS, averaging 65 years of age, over an 18-month period. Participants were asked to complete a detailed questionnaire regarding their health, including whether they had been diagnosed with a COVID-19 infection through testing. Of the participants, 796 reported they had contracted COVID-19, while 1,336 had not.

Over the course of the study, participants reported on their MS symptoms—including walking ability, hand function, bodily pain, fatigue, and cognitive functions—on at least six occasions. Researchers used this data to assess changes in symptom severity and daily functioning.

When evaluating the data, the researchers found that, after adjusting for variables like age, race, and gender, those with and without a prior COVID-19 infection showed similar trends regarding symptom severity. Notably, both groups reported a minor increase in MS symptom severity by 0.02 points per month during the study period, regardless of COVID-status.

These findings suggest that COVID-19 did not lead to any immediate changes in symptom severity or disability, nor did it alter the trajectory of MS symptoms or disability levels for over a year and a half after infection.

Despite the promising results, Dr. Salter cautioned that the study primarily focused on an older demographic, and further research may be needed to determine if younger individuals with MS experience different outcomes.

In the wake of ongoing health concerns, this new evidence provides reassurance to individuals living with multiple sclerosis, allowing them to navigate their health journey with one less worry, especially amid the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19.