title: Multiple sclerosis.
abstract: Multiple sclerosis is the most common disabling neurologic disease affecting young adults and adolescents in the United States. The first objective of this article is to familiarize nonspecialists with the cardinal features of multiple sclerosis and our current understanding of its etiology, epidemiology, and natural history. The second objective is to explain the approach to diagnosis. The third is to clarify current evidence-based treatment strategies and their roles in disease modification. The overall goal is to facilitate the timely evaluation and confirmation of diagnosis and enhance effective management through collaboration among primary physicians, neurologists, and other care providers who are confronted with these formidably challenging patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75235, USA.
authors.forename: Ardith M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Courtney
authors.forename: Katherine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Treadaway
authors.forename: Gina
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Remington
authors.forename: Elliot
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Frohman
mesh_terms: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D007155:Immunologic Factors