Miroslav Brozman
The etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) is unknown and we are unable to cure MS and eliminate the disease from the patients organism. The only possibility which is scientifically and clinically documented is to reduce the inflammatory process in the central nervous system and prevent neuronal damage. Immunomodulatory treatment is recommended to start as soon as posssible after recognizing MS disease. Diagnostic process includes combination of clinical and paraclinical tests especially neurologic disability testing (EDSS), magnetic resonance imaging, cerebrospinal fluid tests, visual evoked potential testing, cognitive performance and estimation of the quality of life (QoL), working ability and subsequent discussion about the possibilities of effective and suitable therapy. Standard first line DMTs are interferons beta or glatiramer acetate. In cases of treatment failure we usually continue with the second line therapy which is recommended for patients with high disease activity. The complex health care management of our patients is organised in MS centers by experienced doctors and specialized MS nurses. Specialized MS web pages are of great help because they enable immediate access to up-to-date informations for MS patients.