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A "major breakthrough" could help doctors personalize treatment plans for people with multiple sclerosis, scientists said.
The first MRI scans can predict the course of the disease and allow a person to determine his degree of disability.
The study, published in the journal Brain, followed 164 people with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) for 15 years.
People with CIS have experienced an episode of neurological symptoms and are often diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Dr. Wallace Brownlee, who co-led the research, said, "We are already using MRI scans to diagnose MS and monitor the course of the disease.
"These results – which suggest that existing measures, commonly available in clinical practice, can provide a long-term prognosis – are a major breakthrough that will be welcomed by many members of the MS community.
"Multiple sclerosis can be relentless, painful and debilitating, but being able to predict the course of the disease in a person will involve more certainty, better treatment options and, hopefully, better long-term results for all people." affected persons. "
By monitoring the evolution of the disease, the researchers found that the MRI exams performed at the time of the initial diagnosis contained signs of future progression.
They found that early lesions in the spinal cord indicated that people were much more likely to develop the secondary progressive form of MS, which currently does not receive any treatment and that the disability worsens gradually.
There was also an badociation between the lesions observed in the brain at the time of CIS and the physical and cognitive performance of a person later in life.
Susan Kohlhaas, Director of Research at the MS Society, who funded the research, said, "MS damages the nerves in your body and makes everyday tasks like walking, talking, eating and think.
"It's also different for everyone and there is currently no consistent way to predict the course that MS might follow.
"It can be extremely painful and make decisions about treatment, family and life in general very difficult.
"By identifying the key factors that appear very early and indicate how a person can evolve, this study has proven to be crucial."
After the age of 15, the disability of all participants was badessed using measures such as the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).
Ninety-four of them (57%) had the recurrent form of MS, 25 (15%) the secondary progressive form, 45 (27%) were still CIS and two people (1%) had developed other disorders.
Scientists say knowing how the evolution of a person's illness will help health professionals personalize treatment plans.
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