Introduction

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). The lesions of MS were first depicted in 1835 by the Scotsman, Robert Carswell (Compston, 1988). The cause of MS became a matter of great interest and speculation. In 1940, Ferraro & Jervis noted the close pathological similarities between experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and certain cases of acute MS. These similarities gave rise to the theory that MS is an autoimmune disease, a theory further supported by the remarkable similarities between chronic relapsing EAE and MS (Lassmann & Wisniewski, 1979). Advances in the understanding of the immunology of EAE have been rapidly applied to research on MS. Indeed, our current knowledge of the immunology of MS is largely based on studies inspired by insights obtained from research on EAE.

Clinical features

General clinical features

MS generally first presents itself clinically between the ages of 15 and 50 years, but may commence as early as three years (Hanefeld et al., 1991) or as late as the seventh decade. It is about twice as common in females as in males. MS typically results in neurological symptoms and signs indicative of involvement of the white matter of the CNS.