Multiple Sclerosis: Clinical Features & Laboratory Evaluation

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common neurologic disorder and one of the most common CNS causes of disability in young adults. It is a chronic, immune-mediated demyelinating disorder affecting neurons of the central nervous system. Symptoms are often nonspecific, and patients’ clinical courses can vary widely. This presentation provides an overview of the pathophysiology and risk factors for MS, the clinical, radiologic, and laboratory diagnostic processes, and the management of patients with MS.

Originally published on October 10, 2018.

Lecture Presenter
Nicole E. Stanley, MD
Nicole E. Stanley, MD
PGY 3, Anatomic and Clinical Pathology Resident, University of Utah School of Medicine

Dr. Nicole Stanley received her Bachelor’s Degree in History from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and then another Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition Science from Oregon State. Nicole took a year out of her medical school curriculum at Oregon Health & Science University to complete a Post-Sophomore Pathology Fellowship. She is currently a third-year pathology resident at the University of Utah School of Medicine.

Objectives

After this presentation, participants will be able to:

Discuss the epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, and risk factors for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Describe the clinical manifestations, differential diagnosis, and clinical and laboratory evaluation of MS
Describe the clinical course, management, and monitoring of patients with MS