[Illness management modalities]

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common neurological disease disabling young adults. Patients with MS experience symptoms in an unpredictable pattern over years or decades. The doctor/patient relationship in MS, beginning with the announcement of the diagnosis has to grow stronger with a clear structured information following from the many available studies of the medical literature. This is all the more welcome since the introduction of a new generation of disease-modifying agents which has a radical effect on the management of the condition. This management of MS must also concentrate on symptom relief, palliative care and complementary therapies including rehabilitation when a disability occurs. Nowadays, a quality health service for people with MS need to be intimately involved in the long-term care of a disease which has frequently a social and occupational impact. Physicians of several disciplines, primary medical care, social service and nurses should work as an integrated medical network model focusing on the patient and his family.