In 1838, the English physician Robert Carswell sketched the effects of a mysterious illness which left many (multiple) hard (sclerotic) scars on the brain and the spinal chord. These changes gave the illness its name: multiple sclerosis (MS).

Its cause was unknown – and remains so to this day. Today, scientists discuss whether the illness might be triggered, among other things, by infections (such as herpes viruses) contracted during childhood or early youth.

Being discernible by many different symptoms, MS is a chronically inflammatory, incurable and usually intermittent disease of the central nervous system. Initial signs can include sudden visual defects, paralysis of the arms and legs, impaired coordination and speech disorders, loss of concentration, tiredness, and dizziness.

Besides the visible, physical symptoms of MS, there are hidden symptoms like fatigue, cognitive impairment and socio-psychological problems that can impact the lives of MS patients and their families.

MS develops when the harmoniously coordinated elements of the human immune system lose their finely balanced equilibrium. The progress of the disease varies greatly from person to person. The symptoms often reappear in different forms.

Doctors distinguish between three different forms of MS, depending on the frequency of the attacks and the patient's momentary condition:

• Relapsing-remitting MS begins with this most common form in 80 percent of patients. The symptoms appear suddenly, last a few days, weeks or months, and then diminish to a greater or lesser extent.

• Secondary progressive: This form develops in about fifty percent of patients who have relapsing-remitting MS within the space of ten years. The impairments do not ease between the attacks and become progressively worse.

• Primary progressive: This is the rarest but most serious form. It affects between 10 and 20 percent of all MS patients – mostly people who contract the disease during old age. From the outset, the symptoms do not develop in the form of attacks; rather the person's physical condition deteriorates continuously.

In 1993, an active ingredient was approved which prevents the progress of the disease and has a long-term effect. It reduces the frequency of MS attacks by 30 percent; on average, the patient is spared one attack in three.

Today, continuous improvements in the active ingredient are helping to improve the patients' quality of life. For instance, a change in the formula means it is no longer necessary to keep the active ingredient in a fridge. This increases patients' mobility. Automatic injection aids have been another step forward. They make the daily application of the medicine easier.

While researchers look for new active ingredients, the developers at Bayer Schering Pharma are improving treatment with the tried-and-tested active ingredient in a different way. In 2005, for example, a study was completed which caught the attention of physicians and patients alike. Starting treatment earlier can reduce the risk of contracting clinically diagnosed MS by 50 percent.

At present, therapy does not normally begin until the MS diagnosis has been clinically confirmed, i.e. after the second attack of the disease. On the strength of these positive results, the registration authorities have extended the terms of reference of the active ingredient's approval in Europe, the United States, Canada and Australia.

However, Bayer Schering Pharma is not only committed to optimizing existing therapies; the company also offers physicians and patients a complete help network, which is constantly supplying them with the latest information about the disease.

To raise awareness for the broad and deep impact MS can have, we developed a Global Awareness Campaign, ‘Mastering MS’. This campaign intends to raise awareness and will educate about the visible and hidden symptoms of MS, the importance of starting MS treatment early as well as seeking additional help if needed.

'Mastering MS’ tells the stories of people living with multiple sclerosis and illustrates how certain resources can help MS patients as well as their families and friends to cope with the condition.

In the field of MS, Bayer Schering Pharma has been a pioneer with a long-term commitment. Besides being the first company to offer an efficacious, innovative treatment for MS, BSP continuously invests in optimizing the support of patients with MS by offering a 360° support approach:

support all-around the patient covering many aspects ranging from an efficacious therapy, innovative application system, direct MS-nurse support to a broad range of informative and practical materials.

Advice for patients Every body reacts differently to medicines. Therefore it is impossible to tell which medicine works best for you. Please consult your physician.