Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological condition that often presents with vague or intermittent symptoms, making early recognition particularly challenging in primary care. As diagnostic delays can significantly impact long-term outcomes, timely identification and referral are critical. In alignment ...

Join an expert as they discuss MS pathophysiology and the potential of BTK inhibitors to delay progression.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by the degeneration of both upper and lower motor neurons, which ultimately leads to muscle weakness, atrophy, spasticity and contractures.1 ALS typically manifests in the 50–60 years age range, although familial cases may present in ...

touchNEUROLOGY is delighted to congratulate Dr Amit Bar-Or of Penn Medicine on receiving the 2025 John Dystel Prize for Multiple Sclerosis Research, jointly awarded by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMMS) and the American Academy of Neurology (AAN). This honour recognizes his groundbreaking work in neuroimmunology, precision medicine, and biomarker research in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Over the past two decades, the understanding and management of multiple sclerosis (MS) have advanced dramatically, reshaping long-held views of the disease. MS is now increasingly seen as a continuous spectrum rather than a condition with distinct phases, with evidence showing it can begin silently, even before clinical symptoms emerge. Technological and diagnostic innovations have enabled the detection of early brain changes and biomarkers, opening doors to earlier diagnosis and intervention. New diagnostic criteria allow MS to be identified without a clinical event, and studies on disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) support the benefits of early treatment. A major shift in treatment strategy is also underway, emphasizing early, aggressive approaches and therapies that target progression rather than just relapses, which are no longer seen as the main driver of long-term disability. A pivotal development in MS research is the confirmation of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) as a fundamental trigger of the disease, with new evidence pointing to specific viral protein regions as higher-risk factors. Despite these strides, MS research remains a dynamic and evolving field, with much still to be uncovered beneath the surface.

The 2025 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology in San Diego brought together over 14,500 neurology professionals from 110 countries and all 50 US states, alongside more than 300 exhibiting companies. It was a week filled with inspiring science, learning, and global collaboration—all in support of advancing brain health for all. Among the many highlights were the late-breaking abstracts, showcasing some of the most exciting developments in neurology. From this impressive selection, we’ve chosen five standout presentations that reflect the innovation and momentum seen throughout the meeting.

In this Q&A, Herbert Temmes shares why prevention is such a crucial and timely topic, how the MS community can be more involved in shaping decisions, and what outcomes he hopes the conference will deliver for years to come.

Sanofi at ECTRIMS 2024. Join MS experts as they examine disability accumulation through the lens of personalised care, biomarkers, and clinical trial design. Hear their perspectives on the complexities of balancing improved relapse management with the ongoing challenge of disability accumulation.