Common Abbrevations and Acronyms
ABN The Association of British Neurologists-the body that oversees Neurology specialists and advises on new developments or regulatory matters in clinical neurology.
CIS Clinically Isolated Syndrome refers to a first episode of neurologic symptoms that lasts for at least 24 hours and is caused by inflammation or demyelination (loss of the myelin that covers nerve axons) in the central nervous system.
CRG Clinical Reference Group
DMDs Disease Modifying Drugs - specifically for the various drug treatments available to help modify the progress of MS. Such drugs can reduce how many relapses someone has and how serious they are.
EDSS Expanded Disability Status Scale – a method of quantifying disability in multiple sclerosis and monitoring changes in disability over time. Often also used in research activities.
JC virus John Cunningham (JC) virus is a common infection completely unrelated to MS and which is normally kept under control by the immune system Treatment with some DMTs/DMDs can override this control system.
MDT Multi-disciplinary team. Most major Neurological centres in the UK have specialist teams who treat long term conditions such as MS. The composition of the teams will vary between different areas, but most include specialist nurses, therapists and senior neurologist(s) with an interest in and knowledge of MS.
MRI Magnetic Resonance Imaging. MS involves an immune-mediated process in which an abnormal response of the body’s immune system is directed against the central nervous system. Brain MRI is often included in diagnostic work-up while MRI changes and some variants such as functional MRI (fMRI) may be used in research to evaluate brain function in MS.
NHSE - NHS England - The NHS body responsible for treatment and regulatory advice in England. You may find advice varies in Scotland, Ireland and Wales.
NICE The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
NICE TA NICE technology appraisal guidance -evaluates use and effectiveness of very similar medicines medicine delivery technologies, and other medical technologies and treatment procedures.
PML Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy – a rare viral disease affecting the brain.
RRMS Relapsing-remitting MS.
RES Rapidly evolving severe relapsing-remitting MS.
SPMS Secondary Primary Progressive MS Term commonly used to describe the later stages of MS when relapses may be infrequent or absent, but some continued progression may be experienced.