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.

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is a rare, autoimmune neurological disorder in which peripheral nerve demyelination typically results in weakness, impaired limb sensation, fatigue and pain.1–4 CIDP may adversely affect activities of daily living, with a substantial impact on functional ...

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are a group of relapsing autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system. The clinical hallmarks of NMOSD are myelitis and optic neuritis; however, a wider clinical spectrum has been recognized.1 The majority of patients with ...

CONy President, Prof. Amos D. Korczyn, a distinguished figure in the field of neurology, shares an update on the 18th World Congress on Controversies in Neurology congress, held in the city of London, UK, brought together leading experts to debate and discuss the most contentious issues within neurology. Prof. Korczyn, with his extensive background in neurodegenerative diseases and his role in shaping discussions at CONy for many years, offers us unique insights into the ground-breaking developments and debates that marked this year's event.

Affecting over 70 million patients worldwide, epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by intermittent bursts of hyper-synchronous neuronal discharges.1 The manifestations are variable but reflective of the unique milieu and biology of epileptogenic foci.2 Pharmacological treatment with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) ...

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare inflammatory autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) with a worldwide distribution.1 The first clinical description of NMOSD was made a century ago by Devic and Gault, who documented patients with ...

In the latest edition of touchREVIEWS in Neurology, we are pleased to present a collection of insightful articles that highlight the current landscape and future directions in neurological research and treatment. Firstly, Rajvinder Karda opens this issue with a compelling ...

Case study Patient information A 42-year-old woman presented in the emergency department with acute onset whole-body myoclonic jerks for 1 day. On enquiry, the patient’s parents advised that she had a history of depression over the past 15 years. Intermittently, family ...

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), first characterized in 1931,1 is a non-specific clinical syndrome of polyfocal central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory demyelination; it is characterized by encephalopathy and large, poorly demarcated cerebral white matter lesions.2,3 Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), ...