Esclerose Múltipla: o que é e tratamento em Lisboa

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS - Treatment in Lisbon

Specialised assessment and multidisciplinary follow-up for Multiple Sclerosis in Lisbon

WHAT IS MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS?

Avaliação neurológica da esclerose múltipla — NeuroPsyque Lisboa

An inflammatory and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic neurological disease in which the immune system attacks structures in the central nervous system. This alteration compromises the transmission of nerve impulses and can cause a wide range of symptoms, with an impact on mobility, vision, sensitivity, cognition and quality of life in general.

Most common manifestations

Sensory changes
Numbness, tingling, a sensation of electric shock or decreased sensitivity in different areas of the body.
Fatigue and weakness
Intense tiredness, disproportionate to the effort, sometimes associated with reduced strength and intolerance to activity.
Motor and balance disorders
Difficulty walking, imbalance, stiffness, spasticity (involuntary contractions) and coordination changes.
Visual and cognitive symptoms
Blurred vision, eye pain, diplopia (double vision), difficulties with attention, memory and mental processing.

MAIN FORMS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Outbreak-Remission Form

It is characterised by acute neurological outbreaks followed by periods of partial or total recovery. It is the most frequent form at the beginning of the disease.

More common

Secondary Progressive Form

After an initial phase with outbreaks, there may be a gradual progression of disability, with or without obvious inflammatory activity.

Progressive

Primarily Progressive Form

From the outset there is a slow and continuous worsening of symptoms, often with a greater impact on walking and mobility.

Continuous

Autoimmune and multifactorial basis

Multiple Sclerosis results from the interaction between genetic predisposition, immune mechanisms and environmental factors that are still under investigation.

Etiology

Sistema nervoso central e esclerose múltipla

The clinical presentation (type) varies greatly from person to person, so an individualised assessment is essential for a rigorous diagnosis and therapeutic plan.

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EFFECTIVENESS OF TREATMENT
IN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Current therapies enable significant control of inflammatory activity and long-term functional preservation

50-70%

reduction in the annual rate of outbreaks with highly effective disease-modifying therapies (natalizumab, ocrelizumab) vs placebo in controlled trials

85%

of MS patients who undergo structured physiotherapy improve at least one relevant functional outcome (gait, balance, fatigue or cognition)

30%

reduction of outbreaks with 1st line therapies (beta interferons, glatiramer acetate) compared to placebo in controlled meta-analyses

2×

greater protection against disability progression when modifying treatment is started early after the first demyelinating outbreak

* Individual response to therapies varies. Regular neurological monitoring and the choice of treatment adjusted to the disease activity profile are key to prognosis.

Sources: clinical data, NIH/PubMed - Tramacere I. et al., network meta-analysis of 23 DMTs in relapsing remitting MS (ARR and flare rate); NIH/PubMed - Heine M. et al. (2015), systematic review of physiotherapy in MS (85.2% improvement in at least 1 functional outcome); EMA/FDA - natalizumab (Tysabri) and ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) factsheets; ECTRIMS/EFNS - Early treatment guidelines in MS.

TECHNOLOGY AND THE THERAPEUTIC ENVIRONMENT

Reabilitação e acompanhamento multidisciplinar

Tratamentos complementares em neurologia

Mapeamento cerebral e avaliação complementar

IMPORTANCE OF SPECIALISED CONSULTATION

Multiple sclerosis requires a specialised and close clinical approach, both in the diagnostic phase and in follow-up over time. Consultation is essential for interpreting symptoms, integrating complementary tests, defining the subtype of the disease and establishing a therapeutic strategy aimed at controlling inflammatory activity, preserving function and preventing disability.

💡 Early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference to the clinical evolution, autonomy and quality of life of people with Multiple Sclerosis.

At NeuroPsyque, follow-up is based on a multidisciplinary approach, integrating rigorous neurological assessment, clinical monitoring, motor rehabilitation, support for symptomatic control and strategies to promote overall well-being. The aim is to offer close, personalised and humanised care at every stage of the disease.

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ's about Multiple Sclerosis

What should I expect at the first assessment appointment?

The first consultation includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms, their evolution over time, the clinical history and the tests already carried out. The aim is to provide a neurological framework for the case, clarify diagnostic suspicions and define the next steps in terms of study and follow-up.

Can Multiple Sclerosis be cured?

Multiple Sclerosis is currently a chronic disease with no definitive cure, but there are very relevant treatments to reduce outbreaks, control inflammatory activity, delay disease progression and improve quality of life. Early and rigorous follow-up is essential.

What are the most common first signs?

Initial signs can include numbness, tingling, intense fatigue, blurred vision, eye pain, imbalance, weakness in one limb, or difficulty coordinating. As symptoms are variable and differ from case to case, a neurological assessment is important whenever persistent or unexplained manifestations appear.

How is the diagnosis made?

Diagnosis is based on clinical history, neurological examination and complementary tests such as magnetic resonance imaging, and it is sometimes necessary to resort to other studies such as cerebrospinal fluid analysis or evoked potentials (EPs). The aim is to demonstrate the spread of the lesions in space and time and to rule out other causes.

Do all people with Multiple Sclerosis become disabled?

No. The evolution varies greatly. Many people maintain autonomy and quality of life for long periods, especially with timely diagnosis, appropriate therapy, regular follow-up and a comprehensive approach.

Is fatigue part of the disease?

Yes. Intense fatigue is one of the most frequent and disabling symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis. It can appear even in the absence of exertion and significantly affect work, concentration, mobility and daily life. In many cases this may require temporary or prolonged absence from the workplace.

Are rehabilitation and psychological support important?

Absolutely. Specialised physiotherapy, cognitive rehabilitation and functional training, and the psychological support, This can be decisive in preserving autonomy and coping with the emotional impact of the illness, improving adaptation to everyday life.

Do I need a doctor's referral to book an appointment?

No, it's not necessary. You can book your assessment appointment directly (Neurology) at NeuroPsyque. If you have health insurance, we only recommend that you check the conditions of your policy regarding reimbursement. Contact us to explain your case..