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A new era in the treatment of multiple sclerosis
Author(s) -
Broadley Simon A,
Barnett Michael H,
Boggild Mike,
Brew Bruce J,
Butzkueven Helmut,
Heard Robert,
Hodgkinson Suzanne,
Kermode Allan G,
LechnerScott Jeannette,
Macdonell Richard AL,
Marriott Mark,
Mason Deborah F,
Parratt John,
Reddel Stephen W,
Shaw Cameron P,
Slee Mark,
Spies Judith M,
Taylor Bruce V,
Carroll William M,
Kilpatrick Trevor J,
King John,
McCombe Pamela A,
Pollard John D,
Willoughby Ernest
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
medical journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1326-5377
pISSN - 0025-729X
DOI - 10.5694/mja14.01218
Subject(s) - multiple sclerosis , medicine , intensive care medicine , disease , natural history , etiology , adverse effect , immunology , psychiatry
Summary Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system with a multifactorial aetiology and highly variable natural history. A growing understanding of the immunopathogenesis of the condition has led to an expanding array of therapies for this previously untreatable disease. While a cure for MS remains elusive, the potential to reduce inflammatory disease activity by preventing relapses and minimising disease progression is achievable. The importance of early treatment in minimising long‐term disability is increasingly recognised. Most of the newer, more effective therapies are associated with risks and practical problems that necessitate an active management strategy and continuous vigilance. While the initiation of these therapies is likely to remain the responsibility of neurologists, other specialist physicians and general practitioners will be involved in the identification and management of adverse effects.