Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. It is the most common neurological disease in young adults, affecting approximately two million people worldwide.
Currently there is no cure for MS but the condition has become increasingly manageable with the help of disease modifying drugs (DMDs).
Although they do not cure MS, DMDs help to change the course of the disease by reducing the number, frequency and severity of attacks and the number and volume of lesions in the brain. Some DMDs have also been shown to delay the progression of disability in patients with MS. Studies indicate that drug therapy should be started as early as possible following diagnosis to give the patient the best possible long-term prognosis.
Multiple Sclerosis at a glance:
- MS is a complex, multifaceted disease of the central nervous system (CNS) with multiple pathways.
- MS interferes with the brain’s ability to control such functions as seeing, walking and talking. It is unpredictable and every person with MS will have his or her unique set of symptoms.
- It can be difficult to diagnose, although technologies including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) are improving the ability to diagnose and treat MS earlier.
- MS is usually diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40 and is twice as common among women as it is among men.
- Symptoms vary, ranging from mild to more severe, but most commonly include: blurred vision, problems with strength and coordination, and numbness or tingling in the limbs.
- The most common form of MS is called relapsing-remitting MS, where symptoms come and go in a pattern of relapse and remittance over time. Other forms of MS are defined by the level of disability progression and the presence or absence of MS attacks.
Resources:
Merck Serono treatment options:
| Disclaimer |
The information contained in these pages is intended for general reference only. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the advice of a qualified medical professional, and does not replace medical advice or a medical examination. Multiple Sclerosis is a serious ailment that should be diagnosed by a specialist in that field. Before starting any treatment a physician needs to be consulted. US Residents should consult the EMD Serono, Inc. for information on products approved for sale in the United States of America. |
