CONy 2021 | Relapses and progression in NMOSD and MS: understanding the underlying mechanisms

Nikolaos Grigoriadis, MD, PhD, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece, talks on future research needed to understand better the underlying mechanisms of relapses and progression in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) and multiple sclerosis (MS). Dr Grigoriadis considers that the development of corresponding animal models would be helpful to study the reason why we have progression in some cases. Whereas, in relapses, we may have a complete recovery. Still, partial recoveries and residual neurological deficits can be observed, which contribute to the ongoing disability of the patient but are not considered progression. It is therefore important to distinguish those pathways. The omics technology may be responsible for some important advances in the future. Finally, Dr Grigoriadis adds that some differences between MS and NMOSD may further explain the different disease processes in both diseases. This interview was conducted during the virtual 2021 World Congress on Controversies in Neurology (CONy) meeting.