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Growing concern about neurodegenerative diseases is becoming a global issue. It is estimated that not only their
prevalence will increase but also morbidity and health burden will be really concerning. Scientists, researchers and clinicians
share the responsibility of arising the awareness and knowledge about the restricting and handicapping health restrains
related to these diseases.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS), as one of the prevalent autoimmune diseases, is characterized by abnormal regulation of the immune system that periodically attack parts of the nervous system; brain and spinal cord. Symptoms and impairments include
weakness, numbness, visual problems, tingling pain that are quietly variable among patients.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is another neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by degeneration of motor
neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Unlike MS, symptoms begin with muscle weakness and progress to affect speech,
swallowing and finally breathing. Despite the major differences between MS and ALS, misdiagnosis is still influencing
disease prognosis and patient quality of life.
Diagnosis depends on obtaining careful history and neurological examination as well as the use of Magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI), which are considered challenging and depends on on the disease current status in individuals.
Fortunately, a myriad of treatments are available now for MS. Most of the cases are steroid responsive. Disease modifying
therapy is amongst the most important set of treatments.
In ALS, few medications that slow down disease progression are present. The aim of this paper is to summarize what has
been globally known and practiced about MS and ALS, as they are currently classified as important growing key players
among autoimmune diseases. In terms of treatments, it is concluded that special efforts and input should be directed towards
repurposing of older drugs and on stem cells trials. As for ALS, it is highlighted that supportive measurements and supplementary treatments remains essentially needed for ALS patients and their families, On the other hand, it is noteworthy to
clarify that the patient-doctor communication is relatively a cornerstone in selecting the best treatment for each MS patient.