Can MRI Scans Help Tell a True MS Relapse From a Flare?

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Key Takeaway

In two MS treatment trials, counting only relapses with new changes on an MRI scan made the difference between the medicines look much larger, but symptoms still matter even when a scan shows no new change.

What They Found

Researchers took a second look at two trials comparing ublituximab and teriflunomide for relapsing MS. By the trials’ original rules, people taking ublituximab had 54% fewer relapses per year than people taking teriflunomide. When researchers counted only relapses backed by a new spot on an MRI scan—a picture of the brain—the difference grew to about 88%. About 77% of relapses reported in the ublituximab group had no new MRI spot, compared with about 18% in the teriflunomide group. The researchers estimated that using this MRI-based rule could allow future trials to include fewer people, but that estimate has not been tested in a new trial.

Who Should Care and Why

People with relapsing MS may find this useful when reading claims about how well a treatment prevents relapses. A new MRI spot can be another clue about MS activity, like checking a map when symptoms suggest something has changed. Patients and caregivers should still tell their care team about new or worsening symptoms, even if a scan shows no new spot. Clinicians can use the findings as a reminder that the way a trial defines a relapse can change its reported results. If you are comparing treatments, ask your MS care team what a study counted as a relapse and how that measure relates to your own care.

Important Considerations

This was a second look at existing trial data, so future studies need to test the MRI-based rule directly. A relapse without a new MRI spot is not automatically a false alarm; the scan may not capture everything behind a person’s symptoms. The study compared two medicines and did not show that patients should wait for an MRI before seeking help for new symptoms.

AI-generated summary — for informational purposes only, not medical advice

Categories:

Clinical Trials MS Diagnostics MS Progression

Article Topics:

multiple sclerosispseudoexacerbationrelapseteriflunomideublituximab

Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or are seeking to broaden your understanding of this complex, neurodegenerative disease, navigating the latest research can feel overwhelming. Studies published in respected medical journals like Multiple sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England) often range from early-stage, exploratory work to advanced clinical trials. These evidence-based findings help shape new disease-modifying therapies, guide symptom management techniques, and deepen our knowledge of MS progression.

However, not all research is created equal. Some clinical research studies may have smaller sample sizes, evolving methodologies, or limitations that warrant careful interpretation. For a more comprehensive, accurate understanding, we recommend reviewing the original source material—accessible via the More Details section above—and consulting with healthcare professionals who specialize in MS care.

By presenting a wide range of MS-focused studies—spanning cutting-edge treatments, emerging therapies, and established best practices—we aim to empower patients, caregivers, and clinicians to stay informed and make well-informed decisions when managing Multiple Sclerosis.

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