Multiple Sclerosis

MS is generally thought to be an autoimmune disease that can affect otherwise healthy young adults.  The pathology results from the inflammation and destruction of the myelin and axons within the brain and spinal cord.   Injury to the myelin and axons causes loss of function and is responsible for the symptoms that the patient reports.  Depending on the anatomical location of the injury the patient may report loss of vision, weakness, or numbness, among other complaints.

Although no one test is one hundred percent accurate, MRI's and spinal fluid analysis usually establishes the diagnosis with a high level of certainty in patients with appropriate symptoms.  The exact cause is not known but is a topic of intensive research.

The medications that are currently available are able to moderate the course of the disease but are unable to cure it.  For some patients the medications have a large beneficial effect but for not for everyone.  Strategies involve limiting the immune cells from being able to cross into the brain and targeting the myelin.  We are currently working on trials of oral medication for MS and are looking for volunteers.