Diagnosing and Managing Multiple Sclerosis: A Personalized Approach

Program Overview

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the leading causes of disability and many efforts have been implemented to help expedite diagnosis and initiate early effective treatment. With rapidly changing guidelines and treatment indications, it can be difficult discerning when to start a disease-modifying therapy in the early spectrum of MS, such as clinically and radiologically isolated syndrome; how to discuss MS management in women of childbearing age; or how to use the new guidelines to confirm an MS diagnosis. In this supplement, these topics will be addressed along with recognizing treatment failure, knowing when to switch therapies, and how to incorporate patient preference in treatment-related decisions

Credit Expired

Target Audience

This educational activity is designed for neurologists, PAs, NPs, and allied HCPs who diagnose and manage patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Educational Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be better able to:

Recognize and diagnose the spectrum of multiple sclerosis (MS), from clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) to the various forms of MS (ie, relapsing-remitting and progressive) using established, updated, clinical imaging and laboratory criteria
Appropriately use available and emerging disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for MS based on their efficacy, safety, and tolerability profiles, as well as their approved or anticipated indications for the various forms of MS
Recognize and manage treatment failure, including switching DMTs
Monitor disease and patient outcomes, including patient adherence, according to recommended protocols
Use shared decision making when prescribing DMTs to improve treatment adherence and patient outcomes
Appropriately manage MS in women of child-bearing age

Activity Faculty

Patricia K. Coyle, MD, FAAN, FANA

Professor and Vice Chair, Clinical Affairs
Department of Neurology
Director, MS Comprehensive Care Center
Stony Brook University Hospital
Stony Brook, NY