Axonal degeneration in multiple sclerosis: can we predict and prevent permanent disability?

ABSTRACT: Axonal degeneration is a major determinant of permanent neurological impairment during multiple sclerosis (MS). Due to the variable course of clinical disease and the heterogeneity of MS lesions, the mechanisms governing axonal degeneration may differ between disease stages. While the etiology of MS remains elusive, there now exist potential prognostic biomarkers that can predict the conversion to clinically definite MS. Specialized imaging techniques identifying axonal injury and drop-out are becoming established in clinical practice as a predictive measure of MS progression, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) or diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). However, these imaging techniques are still being debated as predictive biomarkers since controversy surrounds their lesion-specific assoc

SUBMITTER: Lee JY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4243718 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature