Functional MRI of multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common nontraumatic neurological disorder in young adults. Symptoms are variable and can affect motor, visual, somatosensory, cognitive, and other central nervous system (CNS) functions. The early stages of the disease are characterized by relapses and remissions of symptoms in 85% of patients. This may subsequently transition to a progressively worsening course in the later stages of the disease [1]. The aggressiveness of the disease course and time to transition are highly variable across patients. Some patients may experience a relatively benign course of the disease, while others ultimately become severely disabled. US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatments are available that help decrease relapses and forestall the transition to progressive disease. Sympto⁡matic therapies are also available, but as yet the disease has no cure. The variable and progressive course translates into many significant and changing implications for patients and their families [1].