Multiple sclerosis - in need of a critical reappraisal

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that currently defies clinical and sci entific definitions. Despite intensive clinical and basic research, very li ttle is known about its possible cause(s) or pathogenesis, and the course a nd prognosis of MS practically remain unchanged. The aim of the present article is to outline some of the reasons for the co nstant failure to improve the therapy of MS. It also attempts to offer seve ral guidelines which may enable a fresh and different approach to this deva stating condition. (C) 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.