Diagnosis and Treatment of Visual Disturbances in Multiple Sclerosis

2010 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 106-113
Author(s):  
John H. Pula ◽  
Jorge C. Kattah

In 1868, Jean Charcot described what he considered to be the three cardinal features of multiple sclerosis (MS): dysarthria, intention tremor, and nystagmus. These three symptoms subsequently became known as “Charcot's triad.” Thus visual abnormalities have been a distinguishing feature of MS since the disease's initial clinical description. In this article, we differentiate three major visual problems in MS: visual loss, diplopia, and oscillopsia. We then describe elements of the afferent (sensory) and efferent (motor) visual examination in MS. Finally, we present an update on current treatment options related to each of these visual disturbances.

2020 ◽  
pp. 135245852093764
Author(s):  
Yael Hacohen ◽  
Brenda Banwell ◽  
Olga Ciccarelli

Paediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with higher relapse rate, rapid magnetic resonance imaging lesion accrual early in the disease course and worse cognitive outcome and physical disability in the long term compared to adult-onset disease. Current treatment strategies are largely centre-specific and reliant on adult protocols. The aim of this review is to examine which treatment options should be considered first line for paediatric MS and we attempt to answer the question if injectable first-line disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) are still an optimal option. To answer this question, we review the effects of early onset disease on clinical course and outcomes, with specific considerations on risks and benefits of treatments for paediatric MS. Considering the impact of disease activity on brain atrophy, cognitive impairment and development of secondary progressive MS at a younger age, we would recommend treating paediatric MS as a highly active disease, favouring the early use of highly effective DMTs rather than injectable DMTs.


2010 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 78
Author(s):  
Alex Rae-Grant ◽  
Daniel Ontaneda ◽  
◽  

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most prevalent demyelinating condition of the central nervous system and produces significant disability over time. For many years it was considered to be an untreatable disease, but great advances have been made in the treatment of MS in the last 20 years. There are currently six US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved disease-modifying agents for the relapsing form of the disease. We review in detail these medications and the pivotal trials leading to their approval. We will briefly review non-FDA-approved medications already used in MS. We will also discuss some of the medications currently being studied in phase II and III trials that are not yet approved for use in MS.


2009 ◽  
Vol 15 (4_suppl) ◽  
pp. 16-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlo Tornatore ◽  
David B Clifford

Natalizumab therapy for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) has been associated with both improved clinical outcomes and an increased incidence of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). We provide details of the etiology and recent history of PML as associated with immunosuppressive disease states, including MS. Furthermore, it offers clinical guidance on differentiating PML from a MS relapse and a review of the current treatment options for patients suspected of having developed the complication.


US Neurology ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 06 (01) ◽  
pp. 64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Rae-Grant ◽  
Daniel Ontaneda ◽  
◽  

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most prevalent demyelinating condition of the central nervous system and produces significant disability over time. For many years it was considered to be an untreatable disease, but great advances have been made in the treatment of MS in the last 20 years. There are currently six US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved disease-modifying agents for the relapsing form of the disease. We review in detail these medications and the pivotal trials leading to their approval. We will briefly review non-FDA-approved medications already used in MS. We will also discuss some of the medications currently being studied in phase II and III trials that are not yet approved for use in MS.


2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 115
Author(s):  
Martin Duddy ◽  
Tomas Olsson ◽  
Jaume Sastre-Garriga ◽  
Marion R Munk ◽  
Del Thomas ◽  
...  

Multiple sclerosis (MS), a progressive inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system, is one of the most common causes of neurological disability in adults. The efficacy of disease-modifying therapies is improving and more oral medications are becoming available. These treatments have effects that include limiting chronic inflammatory damage, reducing the frequency of relapses, delaying disease progression and controlling symptoms. Most of these medications, however, can only delay disease progression and some have side effects that increase the burden of disease. The need for close monitoring varies between drugs and in the treatment-decision process, it is important to discuss the benefit–risk profile with the patient and to take account of the long-term nature of this disease. MS nurses have a pivotal role in the patient management and are important in ensuring compliance with treatment. The 2012 ‘MS International Clinic’ at Barcelona gathered MS nursing professionals from 26 countries and offered a singular opportunity to review the pathophysiology of the disease and discuss the benefits and limitations of current treatment options. The MS International Clinic also aimed to strengthen the role of the MS nurse in symptom management and patient support and to share best nursing practices.


2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Odysseas Kargiotis ◽  
Anna Paschali ◽  
Lambros Messinis ◽  
Panagiotis Papathanasopoulos

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 472-476 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beatrice von Wunster ◽  
Steven Bailey ◽  
Alastair Wilkins ◽  
David I Marks ◽  
Neil J Scolding ◽  
...  

Given the intuitive potential of stem cell therapy and limitations of current treatment options for progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), it is not surprising that patients consider undertaking significant clinical and financial risks to access stem cell transplantation. However, while increasing evidence supports autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) in aggressive relapsing–remitting MS, interventions employing haematopoietic or other stem cells should otherwise be considered experimental and recommended only in the context of a properly regulated clinical study. Understandably, most neurologists are unfamiliar with AHSCT procedures and the specific requirements for quality assurance and safety standards, as well as post-procedure precautions and follow-up. Consequently they may feel ill-equipped to advise patients. Here, we highlight important points for discussion in consultations with patients considering stem cell ‘tourism’ for MS.


2007 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 176-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrienne Boissy ◽  
Robert J. Fox

2012 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 75-84
Author(s):  
Venkata Vijaya K. Dalai ◽  
Jason E. Childress ◽  
Paul E Schulz

Dementia is a major public health concern that afflicts an estimated 24.3 million people worldwide. Great strides are being made in order to better diagnose, prevent, and treat these disorders. Dementia is associated with multiple complications, some of which can be life-threatening, such as dysphagia. There is great variability between dementias in terms of when dysphagia and other swallowing disorders occur. In order to prepare the reader for the other articles in this publication discussing swallowing issues in depth, the authors of this article will provide a brief overview of the prevalence, risk factors, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, current treatment options, and implications for eating for the common forms of neurodegenerative dementias.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document