Patient or KNOW Patient^™: Optimizing Function and Improving Quality of Life in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive, inflammatory, and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system that typically manifests with periods of disease activity followed by intervals of remission. MS affects approximately 400,000 Americans, with a new diagnosis made every hour. It is a life-long illness that significantly diminishes patient function and inflicts an enormous burden on the affected individual, the family, and the community. However, noteworthy progress has been made over the past 2 decades in the management of MS. Advances in neuroimaging with magnetic resonance imaging have improved our understanding of the natural history, pathogenesis, extent of brain and spinal cord lesions, progression of brain atrophy, and efficacy of various therapies. In addition, the management of MS has been improved considerably by the use of disease-modifying therapy. More recently, several pivotal reports have provided promising results for new oral therapies. Many of these agents hold the possibility of not only slowing disease progression, but potentially delaying the onset of disability and improving quality of life over the long term.

This program will review current imaging techniques for diagnosing MS and monitoring patient response to therapy, as well as clinical trial data on current and emerging treatments. Additionally, the impact of MS on quality of life and steps that can be taken to improve quality of life for these patients will be addressed.

Agenda:
Introduction: 5 minutes
Presentation: 65 minutes
Conclusion: 5 minutes

Available until April 7, 2012.
Physicians: 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit^™
Nurses: 1.2 contact hour

This activity is sponsored by SCEPTER™. This activity is co-provided by Global Education Group and SCEPTER™.