Guest: Fred Lublin, MD

This article will discuss the multiple sclerosis (MS) which is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the CNS that affects approximately 400,000 people in the United States. Although the exact etiology of MS is unknown, it is likely the result of a complex interaction among genetic and environmental factors and the immune system. MS is diagnosed based on clinical findings and ancillary tests such as magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and spinal cord and examination of cerebrospinal fluid. Because axonal loss can be present in asymptomatic, early disease, early diagnosis and intervention are critical. There are numerous treatment options for relapsing forms of MS, including several approved oral disease-modifying therapies (DMTs); in addition, a number of emerging treatment options look promising. These new and emerging DMTs may provide a more efficacious, individualized therapeutic approach; more favorable methods of administration; and/or a lower frequency of infusions that may improve patient adherence to therapy and overall clinical outcomes. Clinicians who work with patients with MS must be up to date on the important issues related to the diagnosis and management of this disease.