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MS- Keyword Analysis
Topics/keywords: ‘MS’, ‘multiple sclerosis’
Data types: posts, comments, likes, polls
Geographical segment: global physicians
Analyzed data points on G-Med: 3,654
Specialties: Neurologists; MS specialists
Countries analyzed: 41
Reach: 40,998
Introduction
This report presents a detailed analysis of physician discussions on multiple sclerosis (MS), derived exclusively from the G-Med platform. The analysis draws from a wide range of clinical discussions in the form of social media posts and comments, using a keyword-driven approach to identify clinical themes and subtopics related to MS diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. Sentiment analysis quantified clinical confidence and concern, while a country-level breakdown and cross-national thematic comparison provided insights into regional preferences and divergences in MS care.
Main Concerns of G-Med Physicians on the Topic of Multiple Sclerosis
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· Symptom Variability and Disease Burden (29% of physician discussions): Physicians highlighted heterogeneity in MS symptoms, particularly fatigue, cognitive decline, spasticity, bladder dysfunction, and vision impairment. Discussions on this topic conveyed concern over the impact on daily functioning and long-term disability.
· Monitoring and MRI Use (25%): MRI’s role in tracking disease activity emerged as a central theme.
o 33% of physicians expressed confidence in MRI as a reliable monitoring tool.
o 67% noted concerns over scan interpretation challenges and insufficient correlation with symptoms.
· Treatment Side Effects and Safety (19%): Physicians frequently mentioned both treatment for acute relapses and disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). While corticosteroids – primarily methylprednisolone and prednisolone – were widely used, physicians were concerned about their reduced effectiveness over time, prompting debates about their optimal use and long-term impact. Discussions on DMTs focused on adverse events such as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), infection, and liver toxicity, which were cited as major barriers to treatment adherence.
· Disease-Modifying Therapy (DMT) Selection (7%): Physicians weighed the efficacy and safety of drugs such as ocrelizumab and fingolimod.
o 62% of physicians favored innovative, high-efficacy DMTs.
o 38% raised safety concerns or issues with comorbid populations.
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Key Points on MS Diagnosis, Treatment, and Follow-up
Diagnosis (38% of physician discussions)
High Diagnostic Uncertainty: Many physicians discussed delays and misdiagnoses, particularly when symptoms overlapped with other disorders like ankylosing spondylitis.
Reliance on MRI and CSF: Physicians frequently cited MRI as the frontline tool, often in combination with lumbar puncture or evoked potentials.
Treatment (19% of physician discussions)
Safety and Tolerability Concerns: Physicians highlighted adverse effects such as PML, hepatotoxicity, and severe lymphopenia as major barriers to treatment.
84% reflected negative sentiment tied to treatment hesitancy or patient refusal.
16% expressed satisfaction with symptom stability under DMTs.
Uncertainty in Therapeutic Choice: When referenced, drug comparisons emphasized difficulty aligning treatment choice with patient profile and comorbid risk.
Follow-Up (11% of physician discussions)
MRI-Guided Tracking: Emphasis was placed on the need for ongoing MRI scans to detect subclinical disease activity.
56% of discussions raised concerns about relying solely on MRI, citing mismatches between scan results and symptoms.
44% highlighted confidence in MRI use for treatment evaluation and relapse detection.
Broad Follow-Up Needs: Discussions recommended multidisciplinary approaches, including optical nerve imaging, long-term neurological monitoring, and addressing psychosocial needs.
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Geographical Differences in Physicians’ MS Concerns:
Of the 41 countries analyzed, the following topics were discussed in prominent countries:
United States: U.S. physicians focused on discussions of MRI, with many calling for combined diagnostic approaches. Personalized follow-up protocols were emphasized.
Canada: Canadian physicians discussed the importance of individualized care and highlighted the role of MRI and CSF findings in tailoring follow-up.
Spain: Spanish physicians leaned toward personalized follow-up planning and integrated imaging with broader neurological evaluations.
Germany: German discussions focused on diagnostic structure and standardization. MRI was frequently positioned as a primary diagnostic and monitoring tool.
France: French physicians emphasized MRI interpretation and diagnostic accuracy. Posts often highlighted concerns about ambiguous lesion patterns and the need for combined imaging and CSF analysis.
Mexico: Discussions from Mexican physicians were largely focused on symptom burden and the impact of MS on mobility and vision. There were also mentions of treatment challenges, particularly related to patient access to certain DMTs.
Brazil: Discussions in Brazil revolved around treatment side effects and concerns about the safety of high-efficacy therapies. Some posts also addressed health system constraints in access to MRI and follow-up imaging.
These insights can help tailor communication and support strategies for physicians in different regions, addressing their specific concerns and focal points more effectively.
Engagement Recommendations:
· As can be seen from the report, there are some clear knowledge gaps on the topic of MS which could be closed by an awareness campaign, or by a traffic-driving campaign in cases where there is a brand dot com.
G-Med's Awareness Package or Traffic-Driving Package could be a good fit here.