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Scientists have developed a new blood test that could help doctors track the progression of multiple sclerosis in patients.
The test was described as a major breakthrough in the treatment of the disabling condition by researchers with Glasgow Health Solutions.
It will allow doctors to pinpoint when patients are about to enter the active phase of the neurological disease and treat the symptoms, according to head of the research lab Dr. Thomas Gilhooly.
He said: “This blood test offers fresh hope to MS sufferers as it can detect when a patient is entering the active phases of the disease.
“It therefore could be a way of ensuring accurate and timely treatment of patients with the progressive forms of MS.
“This has the potential to unlock treatment for this group of patients and massively improve their quality of life.
“The terrifying aspect of MS for most sufferers is that they do not know how quickly, and how far, it will progress.
“This test gives them the certainty of diagnosis and the ability to begin effective treatment at a very early stage.”
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