Via practica 5/2018
Multiple sclerosis and need for a multidisciplinary approach
Multiple sclerosis (MS) can be defined as complex chronic disease of central nervous system, autoimmune inflammation and degeneration are part of MS and ultimately lead to the brain atrophy and disability. Despite massive research and understanding of a significant part of the immunopathological processes leading to this disease, the direct cause of disease in the MS patient`s immune system is unknown. The incidence of MS is rising in recent years. More newly diagnosed patients are apparently the result of better availability of modern imaging methods (MRI), but also increasing awareness of this disease among medical professionals as well as in the general public. At present, we have a relatively wide range of disease modifying drugs (Disease Modifying Treatment – DMT) with different mechanisms of action, efficiency, safety and tolerability. For early diagnosis and early treatment, a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach is essential. The neurologist plays a major role in multidisciplinary cooperation with other specialists, mainly neuroradiologists, immunologists, ophthalmologists and urologists. We must not forget the general practitioner who can often as the first person indicate that patient with specific symptoms can be diagnosed with MS. The article provides a brief review of the need for multidisciplinary cooperation of neurologist, general practitioners and specialists from other disciplines resulting in early diagnosis ofMS, initiation of optimal diseasemodifying treatment(DMT), and management of potentialtreatment complications.
Keywords: multiple sclerosis, multidisciplinary cooperation
