Multiple Sclerosis

The most socioeconomically disadvantaged groups of individuals may be at increased risk of faster retinal neurodegeneration from multiple sclerosis. Raising awareness on this inequality may help promote the implementation of efficient treatment solutions in patients with low socioeconomic status. Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease characterized by demyelination, inflammation, and neurodegeneration. However, symptoms and outcomes...

Although they have a lower risk of disease severity than adults with NMOSD, pediatric patients with NMOSD are at a higher risk of relapse attacks, motor deficits, and visual disabilities than their adult counterparts. Using a predictive risk score model may help healthcare professionals pinpoint the timeline of relapse and formulate personalized treatment plans. Neuromyelitis...

There is an unmet need to differentiate NMOSD from MS due to the potential effects and safety risks associated with executing the wrong treatment regimen. Infrared spectroscopy coupled with a machine learning algorithm may be a promising point-of-care diagnostic tool. Establishing a diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) differentiated from multiple sclerosis (MS) is...

Multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody (MOG-Ab)-associated disease (MOGAD) present with overlapping features, which can make a differential diagnosis difficult. Brain and spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an appropriate method for determining a correct diagnosis. The overlapping clinical features of multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum...

Calls for parity in clinical trial enrollment among all racial groups, especially Blacks and Hispanics, are being advocated. Considering the aggressive progression of disease in racial and ethnic groups, more drug research is needed in racial groups who may be at higher risk of complications than others. Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a progressive,...

In this MD Newsline exclusive interview with neurologist Dr. Mitzi Williams, we discuss how to provide culturally sensitive care and overcome language barriers. MD Newsline: How have you been able to implement culturally sensitive care in your practice?  Dr. Mitzi Williams: “As a person of color, I have experienced some of the issues that my patients...

In this MD Newsline exclusive interview with neurologist Dr. Mitzi Williams, we discuss challenges and disparities in multiple sclerosis patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic. MD Newsline: What are the biggest challenges that neurologists are tasked with in the wake of COVID-19? Dr. Mitzi Williams: “I think the biggest challenge that neurologists are tasked with...

In this MD Newsline exclusive interview with neurologist Dr. Mitzi Williams, we discuss how multiple sclerosis presents in minority patients. We also discuss the outcomes of minority patients with multiple sclerosis. MD Newsline: Does MS present differently in different racial/ethnic groups? Dr. Mitzi Williams: “Yes, there are some racial and ethnic groups where MS presents...

In this MD Newsline exclusive interview with neurologist Dr. Mitzi Williams, we discuss how to improve the inclusion of diverse participants and diverse leadership in multiple sclerosis clinical trials. We also discuss how meaningful change is being made in healthcare to address health disparities, implicit bias, and systemic racism. MD Newsline: Moving forward, how do...