Multiple sclerosis (MS) tends to be viewed as an abrupt disease—vision loss, numbness, tiredness, and other neurological interruptions. But based on a revolutionary new study at the University of British Columbia (UBC), the body could begin to send warning signals as much as 15 years before a diagnosis is officially made.

This study, which appeared in JAMA Network Open, contradicts decades of premises on when MS really gets started. It proposes that the disease can enter an extended and insidious prodromal phase, with such nonspecific symptoms as fatigue, dizziness, headache, depression, and anxiety—often ignored or misdiagnosed. These could all be early whispers of MS in the making.

Led by Dr. Marta Ruiz-Algueró, a postdoctoral fellow at UBC, the study analyzed the medical histories of 2,038 Canadians with MS and compared them to more than 10,000 people without the condition. Using detailed administrative and clinical records that spanned 25 years, researchers tracked how often patients visited healthcare providers before their first classical MS symptoms.

15 years before diagnosis, people who later developed MS were already visiting general practitioners more frequently. Their complaints often centered on fatigue, pain, dizziness, headaches, and mental health concerns like anxiety and depression.

12 years before: Psychiatrist visits began to rise.

8 to 9 years before: Visits to neurologists and ophthalmologists increased, often due to vision issues or unexplained nerve-related symptoms.

3 to 5 years before: More visits to emergency medicine and radiology departments.

1 year before diagnosis: Healthcare use spiked across multiple specialties, especially neurology and emergency medicine.

“These patterns suggest that MS has a long and complex prodromal phase where something is happening beneath the surface but hasn’t yet declared itself as MS,” said Dr. Ruiz-Algueró.

Is Mental Health One of the First Clues?

One of the most striking revelations was the presence of mental health conditions, particularly anxiety and depression, in the earliest stages of the disease's progression. These symptoms were found to be significantly more common in people who eventually developed MS—often more than a decade before diagnosis.

“We’re only now starting to understand what these early warning signs are, with mental health-related issues appearing to be among the earliest indicators,” added Ruiz-Algueró.

However, the researchers are clear: not everyone with depression or fatigue has MS, and most people with such symptoms will never develop the condition. But in combination with other red flags and patterns, these findings could help doctors detect MS earlier.

Why These Findings Could Change How MS is Diagnosed?

Traditionally, MS diagnosis hinges on a demyelinating event, such as vision loss or difficulty walking. But this study shifts the focus further upstream, suggesting that the disease process starts silently, even while symptoms seem unrelated or mild.

Dr. Helen Tremlett, senior author of the study, emphasized that early detection is key:

“By identifying these earlier red flags, we may eventually be able to intervene sooner—whether that’s through monitoring, support, or preventive strategies.”

The implication is profound: if clinicians know what to look for, they could start identifying people at risk much earlier and possibly even slow the progression before major damage occurs.

How MS Works?

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerves—the myelin sheath. Over time, this leads to inflammation, scarring, and disruption in the brain’s ability to communicate with the rest of the body. Common symptoms include:

• Chronic fatigue
• Numbness or tingling
• Loss of coordination or balance
• Vision problems
• Muscle weakness
• Memory and cognitive changes

Despite decades of research, the exact cause of MS remains unknown. Genetics, viral infections, environmental factors, and immune system dysfunction are all believed to play roles. Previous studies have also identified MS-specific antibodies in blood up to five years before symptoms, suggesting the immune system may go rogue much earlier than expected.

This extended prodromal phase isn't unique to MS. Parkinson’s disease, for instance, has long been known to begin with subtle mood changes, constipation, and sleep disturbances years before motor symptoms appear.

Tremlett and her team say MS is now showing similar patterns, and it’s time to recognize that the disease doesn’t start with the first lesion—it starts long before that.

“This is the most comprehensive picture to date of how patients engage with a range of healthcare providers in the years leading up to a diagnosis,” said Tremlett. “Our findings dramatically shift the timeline for when these early warning signs are thought to begin.”

While there's still no cure for MS, early detection could pave the way for better disease management, fewer relapses, and slower progression.

If you're experiencing chronic fatigue, unexplained pain, dizziness, or persistent mental health concerns—and you’re not getting answers—it’s worth advocating for yourself. While these symptoms are common and non-specific, studies like this show they may sometimes be the earliest signs of something more serious, like MS.

Today, on World Heart Day 2025, understanding the early signs of a heart attack has never been more critical. Chest pain is one of the most common reasons people rush to hospitals, but not all discomfort signals a cardiac problem. According to Dr. Binay Kumar, Senior Consultant – Interventional Cardiology & Electrophysiology at Yatharth Hospitals, timely and accurate testing is essential to distinguish heart-related issues from other causes.

Doctors rely on a combination of clinical examination, rapid tests, and advanced imaging to make these assessments. A detailed medical history and physical examination can provide initial clues about the likelihood of a cardiac event. Alongside this, an electrocardiogram (ECG) is typically performed immediately. The ECG records the heart’s electrical activity, helping detect patterns indicative of a heart attack or restricted blood flow.

Blood tests for cardiac biomarkers, especially troponin, are also vital in confirming heart muscle injury. Chest X-rays may be conducted to exclude other causes of pain and to examine heart size or potential lung complications. Dr. Kumar said “While these initial tests are crucial, they have their limitations, and further investigation is sometimes necessary.”

Which Tests Should Be Done for Chest Pain?Electrocardiogram (ECG): First-line test to detect irregular heart rhythms or evidence of a heart attack.

Blood tests: Check for cardiac enzymes like troponin, which rise during a heart attack.

2D Echocardiography: Assesses the pumping function and overall structure of the heart.

Treadmill stress test: Monitors how the heart responds under physical exertion.

Angiography: A detailed imaging test to confirm blockages in coronary arteries, often used in high-risk cases.

Accuracy of ECG in Chest Pain

On the other hand, abnormal readings are often more specific for heart events, but even then, doctors must interpret results in the context of symptoms, risk factors, and patient history. Because of these limitations, ECGs are often repeated or supplemented with other tests if clinical suspicion remains high.

When to Move Beyond ECG

Echocardiograms, which use ultrasound to assess heart function, are especially useful when ECG results are inconclusive. “These tests allow us to detect subtle issues that might otherwise go unnoticed,” Dr. Binay Kumar explained, highlighting the importance of combining multiple diagnostic tools for a more accurate assessment.

Advanced Tests for Identifying Heart Blockages

Dr. Binay told us, “A stepwise approach is essential. ECG and troponin tests serve as rapid triage tools, while advanced imaging should be reserved for patients whose risk or symptoms warrant more detailed evaluation. By following these strategies, hospitals can ensure timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and better outcomes for patients presenting with chest pain.”

He further recommends:

• Use ECG and blood troponin tests for initial triage.
• Escalate to stress testing or imaging for persistent or unexplained symptoms.
• Reserve coronary angiography for high-risk patients or confirmed abnormalities.
• Consider non-invasive imaging like CT angiography for intermediate-risk patients needing detailed assessment.

When most people think of rabies, dogs are the first animals that come to mind. However, for those unfamiliar, rabies can be transmitted by several other animals as well. Recently, a rare and alarming case was reported in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, where a woman died after contracting rabies through cow’s milk. On the occasion of World Rabies Day, it’s important to understand which animals can carry and transmit this deadly virus.

Greater Noida Woman Dies After Contracting Rabies from Cow: What You Need to Know

A woman in Greater Noida allegedly died from rabies days after contracting the disease through an infected cow. The rare case has raised questions about how rabies can be transmitted through milk and what precautions can prevent such risks.

What is Rabies?

Rabies is a vaccine-preventable, zoonotic viral disease transmitted from mammals to humans. It primarily affects the central nervous system and can infect dogs, cats, livestock, and wildlife.

Can You Get Rabies from Milk?

An ICAR report notes that milk from rabid animals, such as cows and buffaloes, may contain the rabies virus, posing a risk if consumed without boiling. The report classifies “person drinking unboiled milk” as Category I in terms of exposure risk.

In the Greater Noida case, the cow reportedly contracted rabies after a stray dog bite. Despite the animal showing symptoms and being vaccinated by the family, the woman did not seek medical attention.

Other exposures in this category include being licked by an infectious animal on an intact mucous membrane (mouth, nose, anus, genitalia, conjunctiva) or being bitten without blood.

Why Bite Classification Matters

“The rabies virus infects the brain. Once it reaches the brain and symptoms appear, the infection is virtually untreatable and almost always fatal within days,” the report states.

Previous Cases And Official GuidanceAccording to the CDC, there have been reports of potential mass exposures to rabies from drinking unpasteurized milk.

However, the National Centre for Disease Control clarified: “There is no laboratory or epidemiological evidence showing that rabies is transmitted via consumption of milk or milk products. Therefore, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is not required for consuming milk or milk products from rabies-infected animals.”

Can You Get Rabies From Other Animals?Rabies is caused by a virus found in the saliva of infected mammals. It is most commonly spread through bites, but transmission can also occur if saliva enters broken skin or mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose, or mouth. While any mammal can potentially carry rabies, the risk varies by region and species.

High-Risk Animals

• Dogs: The leading cause of human rabies worldwide, especially in developing countries, according to the NCDC.
• Bats: A major source of human rabies deaths in the Americas, Europe, and Australia, as their bites often go unnoticed.
• Raccoons, Foxes, and Skunks: Primary rabies carriers in the United States, as noted by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
• Other Wild Mammals: Coyotes, wolves, bobcats, and ferrets can also transmit the virus.
• Domestic Animals: Cats, cattle, horses, goats, sheep, and pigs may spread rabies if unvaccinated.

Low-Risk Animals

The virus spreads mainly through bites. However, exposure can also occur if infectious saliva contacts open wounds or mucous membranes.

How to Identify a Rabid Animal

1. Strange Behavior

• Wild animals losing their natural fear of humans, approaching people or populated areas.
• Nocturnal animals (like bats, raccoons, or foxes) being active during the day.
• Sudden aggression in normally calm pets.

2. Signs of Aggression or Anxiety

• Unprovoked biting, snapping, or attacking other animals or humans.
• Restlessness, irritability, or agitation.

3. Physical Symptoms

• Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Weakness, paralysis, or staggering movements.
• Seizures or trembling.

4. Signs of "Dumb Rabies" (paralytic form)

• Unusual quietness, lethargy, or sudden paralysis.
• Animals may appear unusually tame but unable to move properly.

Disclaimer:

Not all sick animals have rabies, and not all rabid animals show every symptom. If you see an animal behaving strangely or showing these signs, do not approach it. Report it immediately to local animal control or veterinary authorities.

A new COVID strain, named Stratus, along with its variants XFG and XFG.3, is circulating in the UK, with XFG.3 responsible for a significant portion of cases in England.

Experts from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are closely monitoring these variants but are not overly concerned, noting that viral mutations are normal. The WHO has classified XFG as a “variant under monitoring” and assessed its additional global public health risk as low. Current data indicate that XFG does not cause more severe illness or deaths, and existing vaccines are expected to remain effective. Below we have listed some unique symptoms of the emerging strain that you should take note of.

New Covid Variant in UKWith winter fast approaching, many people are already experiencing runny noses, dry coughs, and fevers. Currently, these symptoms are likely caused by COVID-19, with virus levels among the highest they have been all year.

XFG, a sub-variant of the once-infamous Omicron, was first detected in January. This strain, nicknamed Stratus, now accounts for the majority of COVID cases in the UK and has two main variants: XFG and XFG.3. According to UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data, XFG is responsible for 38.3% of UK cases, while XFG.3 accounts for 32.8%. Globally, Stratus is linked to over 60% of COVID cases, according to the World Health Organization, which is actively monitoring the variant.

Unique Symptoms of New COVID Strain in UK

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Stratus follows the highly infectious Nimbus strain, which was linked to severe “razor blade” sore throats, according to Stony Brook Medicine, the academic medical center of Stony Brook University in New York. Symptoms of Stratus can also include shortness of breath, chest tightness, sore or scratchy throat, headaches and body aches, upset stomach, nausea or loss of appetite, brain fog or trouble concentrating, and loss of taste or smell—though the latter is now less common.

Experts recommend seeking medical attention if these symptoms appear to receive proper diagnosis and treatment, which may include antiviral medications, at-home remedies, or over-the-counter drugs.

Immunity against COVID-19 remains low, and cases are no longer tracked as closely as during the height of the pandemic, when free testing was widely available. Current monitoring, however, shows infections are at their highest levels this year. Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) indicate that around 9% of all COVID tests taken in the week ending September 7 were positive, the highest since last November. Among those tested in GP practices, 10.8% were infected, while 8.9% of hospital swabs returned positive results.

Who Is Still at Risk of Severe COVID?For most people, COVID-19 now causes a mild, self-limiting illness. However, certain groups remain at higher risk of severe disease:

• Older adults, particularly those over 70
• Immunocompromised individuals, including cancer patients
• People with chronic conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease
• Socially disadvantaged populations, including those experiencing homelessness