Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis and Management: A simple Literature Review

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune demyelinating neurodegenerative disease. It targets the central nervous system (CNS) and affects approximately 2.5 million around the world. A variety of manifestations and symptoms can be seen in MS patients. Also, there are many pharmacological agents that can be used in treating MS symptoms. Disease-modifying therapies have significantly improved the management of this disease. Objective: In this study, we aimed to review the recent literature that discussed the presentation, diagnosis, and management of multiple sclerosis. Method: PubMed database was used for articles selection, and the following keywords were used in the mesh; "multiple sclerosis"[Mesh] and “management of multiple sclerosis"[Mesh]. A total of 40 papers were reviewed and included in the review. Conclusion: Early recognition of MS is crucial because it provides a chance for the early treatment plan before any severe or irreversible damage can occur. Diagnosing MS should depend on the history and neurological examination as well as the imaging. Head MRI should be ordered first when MS is suspected despite its lack of specificity. Disease-modifying therapies work on controlling the underlying process of the disease by limiting the immune-mediated inflammation. These medications have shown remarkable results in decreasing the attack rate. However, there is no solid proof that they can postpone the neurological deficits accumulation or the subsequent disability expected in MS cases.