Major Update Incorporates Optic Nerve in Multiple Sclerosis Diagnostic Criteria
A major revision to multiple sclerosis diagnostic criteria now includes the optic nerve as a key site for lesion dissemination, enhancing early and accurate diagnosis using advanced imaging and biomarkers.
The international medical community has announced a significant revision to the diagnostic criteria for multiple sclerosis (MS), now including the optic nerve as a key anatomical site for disease dissemination. This update results from a comprehensive consensus process led by the International Advisory Committee on Clinical Trials, aimed at integrating recent advances in imaging technology and biomarker research. Previously, MS diagnosis relied on evidence of lesions in various locations over time, with a focus on MRI, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, and clinical manifestations.
The new criteria recognize the optic nerve as a fifth site where lesions can support MS diagnosis, alongside the brain, spinal cord, cerebellum, and brainstem. This change allows clinicians to establish dissemination in space more effectively, especially when lesions are detected in at least two regions, whether symptomatic or not. Notably, in cases with lesions in only one location, positive findings from optical coherence tomography (OCT), visual evoked potentials (VEP), MRI, or the central vein sign—particularly using the select-6 method—can suffice for diagnosis, especially when combined with CSF biomarkers such as kappa free light chain or oligoclonal bands.
Dissemination in time remains a criterion but is now less obligatory in certain scenarios. The presence of new or simultaneous enhancing and non-enhancing lesions continues to improve diagnostic specificity. Additionally, paramagnetic rim lesions and the central vein sign contribute to increased accuracy, with these features being pivotal in distinguishing MS from other conditions.
The revised guidelines also facilitate diagnosis of both pediatric and adult-onset MS, as well as relapsing and progressive forms. For individuals over 50 or with significant vascular risk factors, additional testing—such as spinal cord imaging, CSF analysis, or central vein sign assessment—is recommended to minimize misdiagnosis. Ultimately, these updates aim to streamline diagnosis, promote earlier intervention, and incorporate accessible tools, thereby improving patient outcomes and supporting a unified biological understanding of MS.
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
The Impact of Depression on Diabetes Management and Costs
New research reveals that depression significantly worsens blood sugar control in diabetes patients, leading to higher healthcare costs and emphasizing the importance of integrated mental and physical health care.
Dietary Modifications Can Rapidly Improve Brain Markers Associated with Memory and Inflammation
Short-term dietary changes, such as low-calorie or low-carb diets, can quickly reduce brain inflammation markers and improve cognitive health, especially in individuals with early-stage fatty liver disease. Discover how diet impacts brain metabolism in this groundbreaking study.
Planned Cesarean Deliveries Linked to Higher Risk of Childhood Leukemia
A study reveals that planned cesarean sections may increase the risk of childhood leukemia, highlighting the importance of evaluating delivery methods carefully. Learn more about the potential long-term health implications of delivery choices.
Global Drug-Related Deaths Have More Than Doubled in Three Decades, New Study Reveals
A new study reveals that worldwide drug-related deaths have more than doubled over the past thirty years, despite only a slight decrease in drug use prevalence rates. The research highlights systemic gaps in harm reduction and treatment access that contribute to the increasing health burden. Learn more about this alarming trend and the urgent need for global health interventions.