Study Finds COVID-19 Infection Does Not Exacerbate Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms

New Delhi: A study has found that a COVID-19 infection does not worsen symptoms or lead to increased disability in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is a chronic autoimmune condition affecting the central nervous system (CNS), resulting from the body’s immune system attacking healthy cells.

The research, conducted by the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, followed 2,132 adults with MS over 18 months. Participants had an average age of 65. The study, published in the journal Neurology, included 796 individuals who reported a COVID-19 infection and 1,336 who did not contract the virus.

Typically, infections are known to exacerbate symptoms and increase disability in MS patients. However, the study concluded that this was not the case for COVID-19. “This is good news for people with MS, as they do not need to worry about long-term worsening of their MS symptoms after a COVID-19 infection,” said Amber Salter, the lead researcher and a member of the American Academy of Neurology.

Throughout the study, participants provided updates on the severity of their MS symptoms, including walking ability, hand function, fatigue, memory, and thinking. They also reported their level of disability, which was assessed based on daily activities like standing and walking.

The findings revealed that MS symptom severity increased only slightly by 0.02 points per month, regardless of whether participants had a COVID-19 infection. No significant differences were observed in symptom severity or disability progression between those who had COVID-19 and those who did not.

“Our study indicates that COVID-19 infection did not cause immediate changes in symptom severity or disability. Furthermore, it did not alter the trajectory of MS symptoms or disability for more than 18 months following the infection,” Salter stated to IANS.

She noted, however, that the findings might not fully apply to younger MS patients, as the study primarily involved older adults. This research provides reassurance to MS patients concerned about the potential long-term impacts of COVID-19 on their condition.