Med. praxi. 2013;10(4):149-153 [Neurol. praxi. 2012;13(5):270-274]

Importance of early diagnosis and treatment in the life perspective of patients with multiple sclerosis

doc.MUDr.Jan Mareš, Ph.D.

Centrum pro diagnostiku a léčbu demyelinizačních onemocnění, Neurologická klinika LF UP a FN Olomouc

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease with a varying degree of neurodegeneration of the central nervous

system (CNS). The clinical presentation is determined by dissemination of inflammatory lesions in the CNS and the degree of brain

atrophy. An isolated and abrupt development of focal neurological signs consistent with a possible development of MS is referred to as

clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). Since early stages of the disease, processes take place that result in permanent axonal loss correlating

with the severity of clinical disease. Important facts supporting early treatment particularly include the fact that patients with CIS exhibit

a high risk of conversion to CDMS; moreover, histopathological data show that brain damage is already present prior to manifestation

of the initial clinical signs in the patient. Treatments to suppress the pathogenetic processes by affecting the immune system (immunomodulation

and immunosuppressive therapy) and treatments to suppress the symptoms (symptomatic therapy) are distinguished

in treating MS. Although there is still no therapy that would completely cure MS, it is possible to say that current therapeutic options

can, when used appropriately and early, significantly contribute to improving the quality of life of patients with this difficult condition.

Keywords: multiple sclerosis, clinically isolated syndrome, interferon beta, glatiramer acetate, natalizumab, fingolimod

Published: April 15, 2013  Show citation