Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) and the most common cause of disability amongst young adults. The majority of patients present with a relapsing remitting illness, characterized by discrete episodes of focal neurological deficit with temporal and anatomical dispersion in the CNS. The introduction of new diagnostic criteria integrating magnetic resonance imaging has enabled earlier diagnosis and has helped to guide earlier intervention in this chronic disease. Although the underlying cause of MS still remains unknown, recent advances in molecular immunology have brought about a new wave of immunotherapies that may hold the key to stopping relapses and delaying progression. In the meantime, the recognition of relapses and the symptom management of ongoing complications is an important role for all clinicians caring for patients with MS.