Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition where the immune system attacks the nerve fibers thereby affecting the functions of the brain and spinal cord. It affects about 2.8 million people worldwide and leads to symptoms that can vary from person to person depending on the amount of nerve damage. Predominantly affecting women, MS presents at a highly productive stage of life and may significantly impact affected individuals, their caregivers and families. 

Research continues to change how MS is understood and treated and precision medicine has the promise of improving care for MS. Researchers at Penn have made significant strides in slowing disease progression and we are talking to Dr. Amit Bar-Or, director of the Penn MS program to learn about the advances made in diagnosis and treatment of MS and understand how precision medicine can improve quality of life for MS patients. Providing the patient perspective is Mellisa Cook, a long time MS survivor and husband-wife Dan and Jen Digmann who each have MS.