The relationship between relapse and disability in multiple sclerosis

Abstract

The relationship between relapse and disability in multiple sclerosis is unclear. Whilst natural history studies have confirmed the disabling effects of insidious disease progression they have suggested that relapse, the clinically defining feature of the majority of cases multiple sclerosis, is largely unrelated to disability. However the major therapeutic strategies currently in use against multiple sclerosis are known only to ameliorate relapses and their ability to prevent long term disability is not presently based on evidence but faith in a long presumed, but unproven relationship between relapse, disease progression and disability.

Date of Award	2007
Original language	English