Which RIS patients are more likely to get MS?

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Key Takeaway

Being underweight in teenage years, having pregnancy losses, or using assisted reproductive technology were linked to higher short-term risk that hidden MS-like brain changes become actual multiple sclerosis.

What They Found

Researchers looked at people who had MRI scans showing MS-like brain spots but no symptoms (called RIS) and compared them to people who already had early MS symptoms.They found that people who spent more time outdoors as children were more often in the group who already had MS symptoms, not in the silent RIS group.Among the RIS group, those who later developed MS within five years were more likely to have been underweight as teens — in other words, low body weight during adolescence was linked to higher risk of getting symptoms sooner.Also in the RIS group, having had pregnancy losses (miscarriages) and using assisted reproductive technology (like IVF) before the RIS finding were tied to a higher chance of developing MS within five years.These links do not prove one thing causes another, but they suggest the body’s health history (weight, pregnancy events, fertility treatments) may be connected to whether silent brain changes turn into active MS.

Who Should Care and Why

People diagnosed with RIS and their caregivers should know these findings because they help identify who might be more likely to develop symptoms sooner — this can guide follow-up plans and conversations with doctors.MS patients and people at risk can think of RIS like a small spark: some life events or health factors (teen low weight, pregnancy losses, fertility treatments) may make the spark more likely to flare into visible illness.Doctors and clinic teams can use this information to ask about past weight, pregnancy history, and fertility treatments when deciding how often to monitor someone with RIS.Caregivers may want to help with practical steps (for example, supporting healthy nutrition for teens or ensuring regular check-ups) because good general health might be part of lowering risk, even if not proven yet.People considering assisted reproduction who also have RIS might want to discuss risks and monitoring with their neurologist and fertility team so they can plan testing and follow-up.

Important Considerations

This study found associations (links) but cannot prove these factors cause MS; other unknown factors might explain the connections.The number of people with RIS in this study was fairly small, so results — especially for rare things like assisted reproduction use — may be uncertain and need confirmation in larger studies.Because the study used questionnaires about past life events, memory errors or missing information could affect the findings; talk with your doctor before making medical decisions based on these results.

Categories:

MS Genetics Early Research MS Diagnostics

Article Topics:

Environmental risk factorsMSRIS

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 Journal of neurology 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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