"Time is brain" in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis : Current treatment concepts in immunotherapy

Linker R, Kallmann BA, Kleinschnitz C, Rieckmann P, Maeurer M, Schwab S (2015)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2015

Journal

Der Nervenarzt Springer

Book Volume: 86

Pages Range: 1528-37

Journal Issue: 12

DOI: 10.1007/s00115-015-4439-x

Abstract

Despite highly divergent time scales of disease evolution in multiple sclerosis (MS) and ischemic stroke, clear analogies are apparent that may point the way to optimization of MS treatment. Inflammatory disease activity and neurodegeneration may induce potentially irreversible damage to central nervous system structures and thus lead to permanent disability. For the treatment of MS early detection of disease activity and early immunotherapy or treatment optimization are pivotal determinants of long-term outcomes. Such therapeutic concepts may be described with the catchy phrase "time is brain" as coined for the acute thrombolytic treatment of ischemic stroke.For MS a "time is brain" concept would comprise an early initiation of first line therapy as well as sensitive and structured monitoring of disease activity under therapy in conjunction with a low threshold for timely treatment optimization to achieve sustained freedom from measurable disease activity. This approach may substantially improve the long-term outcome in patients who show insufficient response to platform therapies. The intersectorial collaboration in regional MS care networks involving office-based neurologists and specialized MS centers may facilitate the timely use of highly active therapies with their specific benefit-risk profiles thus supporting sustained stabilization of patient quality of life.

Authors with CRIS profile

Ralf Linker Department of Neurology Sibylle Schwab Professur für Molekulare Psychiatrie

Involved external institutions

Caritas-Krankenhaus Bad Mergentheim gemeinnützige GmbH DE Germany (DE) Klinikum am Bruderwald DE Germany (DE) Universitätsklinikum Würzburg DE Germany (DE) ms zentrum bamberg DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Linker, R., Kallmann, B.-A., Kleinschnitz, C., Rieckmann, P., Maeurer, M., & Schwab, S. (2015). "Time is brain" in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis : Current treatment concepts in immunotherapy. Der Nervenarzt, 86(12), 1528-37. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00115-015-4439-x

MLA:

Linker, Ralf, et al. ""Time is brain" in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis : Current treatment concepts in immunotherapy." Der Nervenarzt 86.12 (2015): 1528-37.

BibTeX: Download