Improving multiple sclerosis care: an analysis of the necessity for medication therapy management services among the patient population.

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system. The disease targets the myelin sheaths around nerves, leading to inflammation, myelin loss, and axonal destruction. MS is the most common cause of neurologic disability in people between the ages of 20 and 40. There are approximately 400,000 cases of MS in North America and approximately 2.5 million worldwide. The overall incidence of MS is increasing worldwide, as well, with 200 individuals diagnosed each week. The course of the disease can look different for every patient, as there are 4 classifications of MS: relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS), and progressive relapsing multiple sclerosis (PRMS). The signs and symptoms experienced by each patient vary widely and may include neuromuscular function impairments, pain, cognitive dysfunction, and mental health issues. Common symptoms of MS include visual problems, fatigue, paresthesia, bladder/ bowel/sexual dysfunction, gait problems, spasticity, dizziness, vertigo, pain, depression, and cognitive dysfunction. Some less common symptoms of MS include headache, hearing loss, itching, seizures, speech/swallowing difficulties, tremor, and loss of coordination.1 The medications used to treat the signs and symptoms of the disease do not produce a cure but can substantially improve symptoms and quality of life.