Understanding the types of multiple sclerosis and prognostic indicators

The current terminology concerning the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) and the identification of disease types is closely linked. Although our ability to diagnose MS has improved with the advent of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), this has also led to the identification of people who are at high risk of developing the condition but for whom appropriate diagnostic labelling is difficult. Unfortunately, our ability to offer a reliable prognosis is rather limited—clinical and MRI indicators are of some value but we still need betters ones in order to provide more reliable information about the future and improve the targeting of disease modifying drugs.