Multiple Sclerosis: A Clinical Overview

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common autoimmune, inflammatory, demyelinating disease of the Central Nervous System (CNS). This article provides a clinical overview for home infusion providers who come to treat these patients, who require life-long therapy. The authors provide a disease overview, including onset and epidemiology, and explain the disease's 4 phenotypes (relapsing-remitting, secondary progressive, primary progressive, and progressive relapsing). The article also outlines the clinical presentation and diagnosis of MS as well review treatment for both exacerbations and long-term disease control. Finally, the authors provide an overview of disease-modifying therapies and associated information relevant to providers working on care teams for MS patients. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Present an overview of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), including onset and epidemiology.
2. Develop a clinical understanding of the different phenotypes of MS.
3. Identify a typical MS clinical presentation.
4. Understand the criteria for diagnosing Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS) and Primary Progressive MS and phenotypes.