Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by progressive demyelination and neurodegeneration of the central nervous system (CNS), constituting the most common demyelinating disease of the CNS in humans. Although intensive research over many decades has unveiled many pathophysiological mechanisms in the development of MS, the cause is still unknown. Nevertheless, it does seem clear that genetic susceptibility and environmental factors play crucial roles. Trending Topics in Multiple Sclerosis is a book that provides an insight into some of the main problems currently debated in this area of research, focusing on topics that deal with genetic and environmental risk factors, pathophysiological mechanisms, neurocognitive findings, and neuroprotective strategies.

Over the past decade, we have made great advances in the field of multiple sclerosis (MS) research, and this book focuses on those advances in MS pathogenesis and treatment. While some of these advances have been through new approaches and ideas that have emerged in the last decade such as the newly identified protective role that amyloid proteins may play in MS or the use of helminths to treat autoimmune diseases, others have evolved from previous theories and ideas that have only now gained momentum and a deeper understanding such as the role of HLA or gender in MS susceptibility. This book covers these emerging and evolving topics and highlights the substantial advancements made in elucidation of the factors regulating susceptibility or disease progression, identification of new ways to monitor or predict MS pathology, and development of new strategies for treating MS.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, this book should be your first stop. Written in easy-to-understand language by an MS specialist, this guide explores the questions that patients and their families typically ask—from disease basics, to treatment options, managing relapses, and lifestyle concerns, including diet and working. Whether newly diagnosed or coping with the unpredictable day-to-day, this valuable reference will arm you with the latest information. Designed to be a thorough, yet concise summary of all aspects of MS, the book simplifies complex medical topics and is based on the latest science. For patients at any stage and the people who support them, Multiple Sclerosis: Questions and Answers for Patients and Loved Ones provides the answers you need to understand this disease, its challenges, and the medical treatments and other tools now available for managing it successfully. Key Features: Complete guide with straightforward answers to the most frequently asked questions by MS patients Up-to-date information on treatment options, including the benefits and drawbacks of new MS medications and who should be taking them Addresses special topics, such as pregnancy in combination with MS treatments and working after diagnosis Presents an overview of symptoms with tips on how to combat them Offers useful advice about symptom management and lifestyle changes to meet the physical and emotional challenges MS brings

Multiple Sclerosis 3 emphasizes the latest in the pharmacologic treatment of this incurable inflammatory demyelinating disorder. Primary editors Claudia Lucchinetti, MD, and Reinhard Hohlfeld, MD, with the aid of all new contributors, present a complete and current reference on multiple sclerosis that includes discussions of such hot topics as Biomarkers, Genomics, and Surrogate Outcomes in MS; Pediatric MS; Transverse Myelitis; Attack Therapies in MS; Current Disease-Modifying Therapeutic Strategies in MS; Management of Aggressive MS; Symptomatic Therapies in MS; Complementary and Alternative Medical Therapies; and Strategies to Promote Neuroprotection and Repair. Distinguish between MS and other similar demyelinating disorders and know the best and most aggressive methods of treatment. This title in the Blue Books of Neurology series is exactly what you need to treat the disease and its relapses. Covers the latest clinical advances and relevant discussions—Biomarkers, Genomics, and Surrogate Outcomes in MS; Pediatric MS; Transverse Myelitis; Attack Therapies in MS; Current Disease-Modifying Therapeutic Strategies in MS; Management of Aggressive MS; Symptomatic Therapies in MS; Complementary and Alternative Medical Therapies; and Strategies to Promote Neuroprotection and Repair—to bring you up to date and keep your practice state-of-the-art. Features a greater emphasis on practical management to help you determine the type of multiple sclerosis and the best course of therapy. Focuses on pharmaceutical therapies so you know the best and most aggressive methods and which drugs to use for treatment. Includes extensive information on differential diagnosis so that you can clearly distinguish between multiple sclerosis and other similar demyelinating disorders. Presents expert new editors and experienced contributing authors for the most current and relevant practice information. Emphasizes the pharmacologic management of patients with multiple sclerosis to address treating the actual disease and its relapses as well as treating the symptoms.

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 15% of MS patients are diagnosed with the progressive form of the disease and experience symptoms such as tremor, poor coordination, difficulty walking, and other problems from the start. While an additional 50%, of those diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS, will develop progressive MS within 10 years. Living with Multiple Sclerosis: Overcoming the Challenges, 2nd Edition is written for people who have been diagnosed with the progressive form of multiple sclerosis. It focuses on the newest advances in managing worsening symptoms and offers hope to MS patients facing the future. This concise and practical overview educates patients about diagnosis, disease-modifying therapies, managing difficult symptoms, and coping strategies. Other topics include: Top Ten Questions about Progressive MS Can Progressive MS be Treated? Vocational and Legal Issues A Glimpse into the Future This encouraging and informative book will be a welcome addition to any patient, healthcare professional, or institutional library.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic and often disabling disease of the nervous system, affecting about 1 million people worldwide. Even though it has been known for over a hundred years, no cause or cure has yet been discovered-but now there is hope. New therapies have been shown to slow the disease progress in some patients, and the pace of discoveries about the cellular machinery of the brain and spinal cord has accelerated. This book presents a comprehensive overview of multiple sclerosis today, as researchers seek to understand its processes, develop therapies that will slow or halt the disease and perhaps repair damage, offer relief for specific symptoms, and improve the abilities of MS patients to function in their daily lives. The panel reviews existing knowledge and identifies key research questions, focusing on: Research strategies that have the greatest potential to understand the biological mechanisms of recovery and to translate findings into specific strategies for therapy. How people adapt to MS and the research needed to improve the lives of people with MS. Management of disease symptoms (cognitive impairment, depression, spasticity, vision problems, and others). The committee also discusses ways to build and financially support the MS research enterprise, including a look at challenges inherent in designing clinical trials. This book will be important to MS researchers, research funders, health care advocates for MS research and treatment, and interested patients and their families.

For patients and companions, this handbook offers an informative overview of all aspects of multiple sclerosis.