Multiple Sclerosis: Epidemiologic, Clinical, and Therapeutic Aspects

Neuroimaging Clin N Am. 2017 May;27(2):195-204. doi: 10.1016/j.nic.2016.12.001.

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune and degenerative disease of the central nervous system that affects young people. MS develops in genetically susceptible individuals exposed to different unknown triggering factors. Different phenotypes are described. About 15% of patients present with a primary progressive course and 85% with a relapsing-remitting course. An increasing number of disease-modifying treatments has emerged. Although encouraging, the number of drugs challenges the neurologist because each treatment has its own risk-benefit profile. Patients should be involved in the decision-making process to ensure good treatment and safety monitoring adherence.

Keywords: Multiple sclerosis; Symptoms; Treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / adverse effects
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use*
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / epidemiology
  • Multiple Sclerosis / pathology*
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / drug therapy
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / epidemiology
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / pathology
  • Risk Assessment

Substances

  • Immunologic Factors
  • Immunosuppressive Agents