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Updated: May 20, 2026
08:51
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla
Published on: February 19, 2021
Update on multiple sclerosis, its diagnosis and treatments
Anne H Cross1, Kevin A Cross, Laura Piccio
1Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA. crossa@neuro.wustl.edu
Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine
|August 2, 2012
Summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system disease with varied causes and risk factors. While treatments exist for relapsing MS, progressive forms lack effective therapies.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system disorder marked by inflammation, demyelination, and axonal injury.
- Its neuropathology was first described in the late 1800s.
- MS exhibits distinct geographical epidemiology, with higher prevalence at increased distances from the equator.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of multiple sclerosis.
- To discuss the epidemiology, risk factors, disease course, and current treatment landscape of MS.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on multiple sclerosis.
- Analysis of epidemiological data, genetic associations, and environmental risk factors.
- Summary of clinical disease courses and therapeutic interventions.
Main Results:
- MS affects women more than men (2:1 ratio), a trend that is increasing.
- Over 50 genetic susceptibility loci have been identified, with ongoing expansion.
- Identified environmental risk factors include low vitamin D, Epstein-Barr virus exposure, and smoking.
Conclusions:
- MS presents with heterogeneous courses, commonly relapsing-remitting progressing to disability.
- A minority of patients experience a primary progressive course.
- Current treatments are effective for relapsing MS but not for progressive forms.
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