Digital test finds early nervous system changes in RIS and MS

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Key Takeaway

A sensitive digital test can spot subtle nervous system problems in people with early MS or radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS), often before clear symptoms appear.

What They Found

Researchers used an iPad app to test hand coordination, low-contrast vision (seeing faint gray-on-white patterns), reaction speed, and eye movements in three groups: healthy people, those with RIS (abnormal brain scans but no clear MS symptoms), and early MS patients. Healthy people did better than both RIS and MS groups across the tests, meaning the app found small problems not obvious in a regular exam. RIS and early MS people performed similarly on most tests, except coordination was a bit worse in the early MS group — like someone who can do most tasks but struggles with fine motor jobs such as buttoning a shirt. If a person had at least two of these functions impaired, the app identified RIS or MS versus healthy people correctly about 83% of the time, which is fairly strong for a screening tool. More impaired test results were linked to smaller brain volume on MRI, suggesting the digital findings relate to real changes in the brain.

Who Should Care and Why

People with RIS or those worried about early MS should care because this type of testing can reveal problems before they become obvious in daily life — like noticing small balance or vision changes before they cause falls or trouble reading. Caregivers benefit because earlier detection can help prompt medical follow-up, monitoring, or adjustments in care routines (for example, planning more frequent check-ins or helping with tasks needing fine hand control). Healthcare providers can use such a quick, objective tool to track subtle changes over time, similar to using a thermometer to monitor a fever rather than relying only on how someone says they feel. This could affect daily life by prompting earlier rehab, vision aids, or safety adjustments (e.g., better lighting, button hooks) when small difficulties are found. People who want a noninvasive, easy test that can be repeated at home or clinic visits will find this approach especially useful.

Important Considerations

This study was cross-sectional, meaning it looked at people once in time, so it can’t prove the test predicts who with RIS will later develop clear MS. The app finds subtle problems but does not replace a full neurologic exam, MRI scans, or specialist judgment — it’s an additional tool, not a diagnosis by itself. The groups in the study were limited to certain centers and numbers, so results may vary in other populations or with different equipment.

Categories:

MS Diagnostics Early Research Living with MS

Article Topics:

Multiple sclerosisdigital healthradiologically isolated syndrome

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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