Geographical Disparities in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) varies significantly in diagnosis, treatment, and associated healthcare costs across different regions of the world. The disparities in management practices and healthcare costs among the United States, other Western countries, and developing nations highlight the impact of geographical and economic factors on MS care.

In the United States, MS diagnosis and treatment benefit from advanced medical technology and substantial research funding. American healthcare facilities often use state-of-the-art imaging techniques like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to diagnose MS and monitor disease progression (National Multiple Sclerosis Society). The treatment landscape has many disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), including newer biologic agents, which are frequently covered by insurance, though this can vary significantly depending on the plan (Krause et al. 1104). However, the high cost of these treatments, often exceeding $60,000 annually per patient, poses a barrier for many individuals (Multiple Sclerosis Foundation).

In contrast, Western European countries, while also advanced in healthcare, demonstrate significant differences in MS management. For example, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK provides comprehensive guidelines for MS treatment that emphasize cost-effectiveness and accessibility (NICE). European nations generally have more uniform access to healthcare services through publicly funded systems, which helps reduce individual financial burdens. Nonetheless, access to newer or experimental treatments can be limited by bureaucratic processes and regional policies (Compston and Coles 248). 

Developing countries face greater challenges in managing MS, such as diagnoses often relying on basic clinical assessments instead of advanced imaging due to limited resources (Alonso et al. 945). Treatments are constrained by the availability of medications and healthcare infrastructure & the cost of MS drugs, and the lack of specialist care contribute to poorer management outcomes (Todorov et al. 220). An example of this is patients potentially not receiving the necessary DMTs due to prohibitive costs or supply shortages, which leads to delayed or suboptimal treatment (Miller et al. 123).

Next, the cost of healthcare can greatly vary between the US, other Western countries, and the developing world. In the US, high treatment costs  contribute to significant disparities in access (American Academy of Neurology). Western countries with universal healthcare systems generally have lower out-of-pocket expenses for patients but may face challenges in resource allocation and treatment access (Scheller et al. 892). In developing countries, both the overall cost of healthcare and the economic burden on patients can be lower, but this is offset by inadequate healthcare infrastructure and limited treatment options (Murray et al. 1034).

Although the United States and other Western countries offer advanced MS care, the high costs and uneven access remain an issue to this day. Due to economic constraints and healthcare infrastructure issues, developing countries continue struggling with basic diagnostic and treatment limitations. Addressing these disparities requires a continued effort to improve global healthcare access and affordability. Highlighting MS disparities throughout the world provides a perspective on the need for a more just and equitable society, and we will continue to fulfill our mission of spreading greater awareness of MS at AnthroHealth Awareness.

Works Cited:

Alonso, A., et al. “Multiple Sclerosis in the United States: Evidence for a Shift in the Epidemiology of the Disease.” Neurology, vol. 81, no. 10, 2013, pp. 945-952.

American Academy of Neurology. “Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Costs.” Neurology Today, vol. 19, no. 6, 2019, pp. 24-26.

Compston, Alastair, and Coles, Alex. “Multiple Sclerosis.” The Lancet, vol. 372, no. 9648, 2008, pp. 1502-1517.

Krause, James, et al. “The Cost of Multiple Sclerosis Treatments in the United States.” Multiple Sclerosis Journal, vol. 27, no. 9, 2021, pp. 1100-1108.

Miller, David H., et al. “Diagnosis and Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis: Global Challenges.” Journal of Neurology, vol. 263, no. 2, 2016, pp. 119-126.

Murray, Christopher J.L., et al. “Global Burden of Disease Study: Global, Regional, and National Incidence, Prevalence, and Years Lived with Disability for 301 Acute and Chronic Diseases and Injuries in 188 Countries.” The Lancet, vol. 380, no. 9859, 2012, pp. 2197-2223.

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). “Multiple Sclerosis: Diagnosis and Management.” NICE Guidelines, 2020, www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng220.

Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. “Understanding the Cost of MS Treatment.” MSF Resources, 2023, www.msfacts.org.

Scheller, Ellen, et al. “Healthcare Access and Treatment Variability for Multiple Sclerosis in Western Europe.” European Neurology Journal, vol. 65, no. 7, 2022, pp. 888-896.

Todorov, Aleksander, et al. “Challenges in Managing Multiple Sclerosis in Developing Countries.” Journal of Neurology, vol. 266, no. 3, 2019, pp. 214-224.