New report highlights frequent misdiagnosis of MS patients

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) are often having their treatment delayed by misdiagnosis, according to a new report.

A survey of more than 1,500 people carried out by the Multiple Sclerosis Society for World MS Day has indicated that 20 percent of people had to wait between one and three years for a diagnosis following their first visit to their GP with symptoms.

It was revealed that 28 percent were misdiagnosed with a trapped nerve, 14 percent were told they had depression, anxiety or stress, and 11 percent were mistakenly told they had suffered a stroke.

Moreover, 25 percent had to visit their GP more than four times before they were referred to a neurologist for further examination, leaving many feeling as though they were in the dark over their condition.

Michelle Mitchell, chief executive at the MS Society, said: "A fast, accurate diagnosis enables people to take steps to begin to manage their condition, access treatment and take greater control of their lives again."

It is estimated that MS affects around 100,000 people in the UK.