We have more and more powerful drugs to treat relapsing-onset MS. Studies have shown that proper therapy early in the course reduces the risk of long-term disability and probably the chance of “converting” to progressive MS. Yet, despite therapy, some patients appear “destined” to have a progressive course later in the disease. At that point, disease-modifying drugs are less effective. This leads to the controversy of whether MS is an “inside-out” or “outside-in” disease. Most experts favor the outside-in theory, which postulates that neuroinflammation happens first and neurodegeneration follows. Recent studies seem to support this hypothesis. Utilizing a 7-Tesla MRI, inflammatory activity is more prominent in the gray matter of progressive as compared to relapsing MS patients.

A new study presented at the ACTRIMS 2016 Forum reported that infiltrates of B-cells in the meninges may be the main source of inflammatory or cytotoxic molecules released into the cerebrospinal fluid, causing cortical tissue injury in progressive MS. If this is true, measuring levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of these B-cell infiltrates may help in stratifying patients who have early or are at risk for progressive MS, and this in term might lead to using increasingly effective drugs.

For more information or to set up an appointment, visit our center’s website or call 714-738-0800.

About Our Center:
Fullerton Neurology and Headache Center is a state-of-the-art medical office, strategically located near St Jude Medical Center, providing comprehensive neurological care. It is fitted with larger exam rooms and an infusion suite, furnished with new equipment and furniture and designed to be to easily accessible.

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