This book addresses specific concerns of females affected by multiple sclerosis, where women are disproportionally impacted by the disease. MS is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system affecting young adults of reproductive age. This book presents the current understanding of genetic variables, hormonal influences, immunological milieu and neurological outcomes, discussing issues such as fertility, pregnancy management, and menopause, as well as end of life care and mortality in women with MS. With contributions by international experts, this interdisciplinary book will serve as a useful reference and guide for MS specialists, general neurologists, obstetricians/gynecologists, physicians in training, family practice doctors, clinical nurse specialists in multiple sclerosis, and all other healthcare professionals involved in the care and treatment of women affected by MS.

Maria K. Houtchens' profile page

A. Dessa Sadovnick's profile page

Dr. Houtchens is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School. She works as a Director of Women's Health Program at the Partners Multiple Sclerosis Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital. She is a member of the Health Care Advisory Committee with the National MS Society, and multinational collaborative groups on Reproductive and Child Health and MS. Dr. Houtchens is the Principle Investigator of a New England multicenter study on Pregnancy and Multiple Sclerosis. She presented and published extensively on topics of MS and Women's Health and is considered an expert in this field of neurology.

Dr. Sadovnick is a Professor in the Department of Medical Genetics and the Faculty of Medicine, Division of Neurology, UBC. She was the Director of the Western Pacific Regional Research and Training Center for Multiple Sclerosis, established by the MS Society of Canada. Dr. Sadovnick is the Principal Investigator of several multicenter Canadian and International collaborative research projects on Multiple Sclerosis and pediatric Multiple Sclerosis. She has published extensively (over 300 articles in peer-review journals) and serves as a reviewer for a wide variety of medical journals and grant review panels. Dr. Sadovnick is a member of several National and International advisory groups and task forces for MS.