Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoim­mune demyelinating disease. In the article, the epidemiological situation in the world as well as the prevalence and incidence of multiple sclero­sis in our country is presented. The role of geo­graphic, environmental and genetic factors on the development of multiple sclerosis is pointed out. The new insights into the complicated pathophy­siological process, the role of myelin destruction and especially the axon involvement in the deve­lopment of multiple sclerosis is shown. Further, the clinical picture including different symptoms and signs is highlighted. Definitely, the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis is still clinical and requires the broad clinical knowledge. The whole spectrum of different neurophysiological and neuroimaging procedures for the demonstration of clinically overt and clinically silent demyelinating lesions in central nervous system is presented. Finally, the therapeutic approaches in the treatment of relap­se duration, frequency of relapses and the pro­gression of disease as well as neurorehabilitation which may beneficially effects the disability and handicap in multiple sclerosis patients, is discus­sed. The concept of neurorehabilitation should be put in the modern image of medical care of mul­tiple sclerosis patients in the future.