There is now evidence that irreversible brain damage accumulates very early in the course of multiple sclerosis. This book reviews the main neurobiological, magnetic resonance imaging, and clinical aspects of the early phases of the dis ease. Mechanisms ofirreversible axonal damage and the role played by the inter action of glia and the axon are highlighted. In contrast to what was believed for a long time, the sufficient availability of oligodendrocyte precursor cells to promote remyelination in acute lesions has now been demonstrated. For reasons not understood, this remyelination process...

There is now evidence that irreversible brain damage accumulates very early in the course of multiple sclerosis. This book reviews the main neurobiological, magnetic resonance imaging, and clinical aspects of the early phases of the dis ease. Mechanisms ofirreversible axonal damage and the role played by the inter action of glia and the axon are highlighted. In contrast to what was believed for a long time, the sufficient availability of oligodendrocyte precursor cells to promote remyelination in acute lesions has now been demonstrated. For reasons not understood, this remyelination process...

Multiple sclerosis is an unique disease with a tremendous impact on social life in countries with moderate climates. Its cause is unknown. In recent years however hopes have been raised that the disease might be fought, and possibly cured. With the disappearance of poliomyelitis as the main paralyzing disease multiple sclerosis has taken its place as the single disease that is responsible for paralyzing the young with an incurable affliction of long duration, for social disruption and for an 1 economic impact that is estimated to be higher than heart disease * A multi-national,...