24. Multiple sclerosis and related disorders

Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system that is the most common cause of disability among young adults in the Western world. It is characterized by a wide variety of neurological symptoms, a combination of new transient symptoms and gradually progressive loss of function over a lengthy period. There are several types of progression. The criterion for diagnosing it is abnormalities that are dissociated in time and place. MRI is the most important diagnostic test. There is no causal treatment for MS as yet, although there are immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive treatments. There are also symptomatic treatments. MS needs to be distinguished from other demyelinating disorders.