The earliest stages of MS: understanding susceptibility and the MS prodrome

Early diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is crucial to prevent central nervous system (CNS) damage and disability accumulation. It is now believed that MS is preceded by a prodromal phase lasting for several years, in which there is an increased prevalence of non-MS specific symptoms and healthcare use. Adil Harroud, MD, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, comments on factors influencing MS susceptibility and how our growing understanding could aid the identification of at-risk individuals. Recent evidence indicates that signs of neurological involvement may be present in healthy individuals identified as high-risk. Dr Harroud highlights the importance of further elucidating the sequence of events that proceed MS onset, including radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) and the MS prodrome. This interview took place at the ACTRIMS Forum 2022 in West Palm Beach, Florida.