Updated criteria speed MS diagnosis and treatment

The updated McDonald criteria for diagnosing multiple sclerosis (MS) allow for earlier diagnosis and treatment, particularly for those with asymptomatic MS, formerly known as radiologically isolated syndrome. These revisions, presented at the recent ECTRIMS meeting, incorporate new technologies and remove the requirement for "dissemination in time" in many cases, enabling earlier intervention with disease-modifying therapies. The criteria also include the optic nerve as a key diagnostic site. Key changes include the use of kappa free light chains in spinal fluid, similar to oligoclonal bands, and the importance of objective measures like OCT or MRI for optic neuritis diagnosis.