title: Multiple sclerosis: a review of the disease and treatment options.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To provide a review of the etiology, epidemiology, clinical features, diagnostic findings, and treatment options for multiple sclerosis (MS).
  
  
  METHODS
  A PubMed search of English language articles using a combination of words: elderly; multiple sclerosis*, late onset multiple sclerosis*, etiology; screening; diagnosis; or treatment to identify original studies, guidelines, and reviews on multiple sclerosis and late-onset multiple sclerosis, published 2002 to 2013. Primary sources were then used to search for additional relevant material.
  
  
  METHODS
  Original studies, clinical reviews, references, and guidelines were obtained and evaluated for their clinical relevance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The literature included guidelines and considerations for the etiology, diagnosis, screening, and management of MS.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  MS is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation, demyelination, and local axonal injury. It typically presents between ages 20 and 40 and largely affects women. However, 2% to 10% of individuals are diagnosed after 50 years of age. Diagnosis is based on presentation of clinical symptoms and the McDonald criteria for diagnosing MS. Management focuses on suppression of the immune system and prevention of relapses.
authors.affiliation: Physician Assistant Program, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Butler University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sturm
authors.forename: Samuel L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Gurevitz
authors.forename: Amelia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Turner
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000628:therapy*