Predictors of disease activity in multiple sclerosis

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or over who have been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or similar conditions that affect the nervous system. You need to be able to understand the study and agree to take part.

If you have a type of MS called 'Relapsing-Remitting MS' and were diagnosed within the last five years, you might fit into one group. Another group includes those with any type of MS (even if diagnosed more than five years ago) or other related conditions like neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.

To join, you must be a patient getting care from NHS Lothian or NHS Highland in Scotland. You won't be able to take part if you are under 18 or can't have an MRI scan of your brain for any reason.

If you decide to take part, the first step is a chat with the research team. They'll explain everything, answer your questions, and if you're happy, you'll sign a consent form. They'll also collect some basic health information and do a quick check-up.

The study involves three visits, which will be part of your normal hospital appointments: one at the start, then roughly one year later, and another one two years after that. At your first visit, you might be asked to complete an optional short questionnaire (5-10 minutes) about your quality of life and how you'd like to get your study results. The researchers will then collect information from your routine NHS health records, like blood test results and brain scans.

If certain measurements like your height, weight, or blood pressure aren't in your records, they might ask to take them during your visit – but this is optional. If you don't have a routine blood test scheduled, they might offer to take a small blood sample (about 1-2 tablespoons) at the clinic or provide a fingerprick test you can do at home. These extra measurements are also completely optional. The study will run from August 2022 to June 2028.