Multiple Sclerosis: Assessment of Disease Progression and Effects of Treatment

Abstract

MS could well be a two stage disease. The first stage involves the sequential development of multiple small lesions, mostly inflammatory, that accumulate at a given rate. The second stage could be that of consolidation and confluence of lesions that involves not only demyelination but gliosis. MRI now gives us an opportunity to watch the evolution of these processes and also to monitor treatment effects. It is only after the evolution of this process is understood that we can design rational therapies directed toward the prevention of spasticity in MS.