Introduction

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis is the commonest neurological disease in Great Britain. But what is multiple sclerosis? The simple answer is that although a great deal is known about the disease, the aetiology remains unknown. An enormous amount of research has been undertaken in the last 20 years and is continuing unabated now, but the benefit for the individual sufferer is hard to demonstrate. However, such has been the progress made in multiple sclerosis research units that many workers in this difficult field believe that a major break-through is imminent.