An overview of multiple sclerosis: Diagnosis and management strategies

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex and unpredictable disease that affects the central nervous system. It is the most common neurologic disease of young adults, usually diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40 years. Most individuals begin with a relapsing-remitting disease course that often evolves to a more progressive decline in function, called secondary-progressive MS. A small percentage of individuals never experience a relapse, but rather have a steady decline in functional ability and a primary-progressive course of MS. The diagnosis can be difficult as no specific diagnostic tests exist. The treatment of MS requires a multidisciplinary approach that includes relapse management, disease modification, and symptom management. On the basis of recommendations from the Consortium of MS Centers, a North American multidisciplinary group, all persons with MS should have access to care from a multidisciplinary care team that is expert in MS.