Accurately Diagnosing and Comprehensively Managing MS

Early diagnosis and effective management of multiple sclerosis (MS) are essential to reducing patients’ disability. To diagnose MS, clinicians should view the entire clinical picture by taking a thorough patient history and assessing patients’ presenting symptoms, using diagnostic criteria, administering diagnostic tests, and completing a differential diagnosis. Clinicians have a range of treatments available to slow disease progression, prevent exacerbations, and to treat acute relapse and breakthrough disease. Involving patients in treatment decisions and encouraging healthy lifestyle changes can also help to improve patients’ outcomes.