[Multiple Sclerosis in primary care pratices]

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Approximately one million people are affected worldwide; in Germany the prevalence is approximately 250,000. The disease typically manifests in young adulthood between the ages of 20 and 40, with women affected approximately three times more often. Due to its sociomedical significance, knowledge of the disease and current treatment options is essential for general practitioners, even though the disease is likely to be relatively rare in primary care practices.