A multiple sclerosis review for the primary care physician.

Abstract

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a complex neurological condition that requires an interprofessional approach to manage effectively. Primary care providers (PCPs) play a vital role in the management of MS as they represent the first line providers who can quickly and accurately recognize disease activity or worsening, assist patients with monitoring of disease burden and adequately address comorbidities that drive disease activity. This is especially true considering access constraints to specialists for patients residing in smaller communities. This article reviews how PCPs can recognize new disease activity versus pseudorelapse, can assist with medication monitoring, can support patients' needs for imaging surveillance and can recognize the importance of managing comorbid illnesses. As many patients travel quite a distance to tertiary care centers for MS management, PCPs may be asked to assist with labwork monitoring or imaging support.