MS-Perspektive - The Multiple Sclerosis Podcast

Aging in multiple sclerosis brings new questions about relapses, gradual progression and treatment choices. In episode 187, Dr. Yi Chao Foong, an MS neurologist and researcher in Tasmania, explains why fewer relapses do not necessarily mean that MS has stopped changing.

We discuss:

Explore Dr. Foong's research...

Why can multiple sclerosis progress even when relapses are well controlled? In episode 186, I speak with Prof. Manuel Friese about the next challenge in MS research: protecting nerve cells from damage and preserving function over time.

Read the full interview on my blog: https://ms-perspektive.de/en/186-manuel-friese/

Manuel is a neurologist and clinician scientist who directs the Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis in Hamburg. His team's research explores why some nerve cells withstand inflammation while others degenerate. One unexpected finding was a protective role for complement factor H inside neurons, beyond its familiar...

An MS diagnosis can depend on where you live, whether you can reach a neurologist and how quickly you can get an MRI. In this episode, Nele speaks with neurologist and neuroimmunologist Dr. Enrique Gomez Figueroa about the gaps in MS care across Mexico. Enrique explains why official case numbers may miss people, what delays diagnosis and why access to an effective treatment can require a lengthy approval process. He also shares what research on switching therapies can tell us—and why listening to people with MS is essential.

In this episode:

Read the full blog post and interview here: https://ms-perspektive.de/en/184-klaus-schmierer/

How early should MS treatment start, how strongly should we treat, and is there ever a point when it becomes "too late" to protect meaningful function?

In this episode, I speak with Prof. Klaus Schmierer, Professor of Neurology at Queen Mary University of London and honorary consultant neurologist at Barts Health NHS Trust, about MS treatment across the entire disease course. We look at the very beginning of MS, different treatment strategies, advanced disability, and the question of what can still be...

Can we detect gradual MS progression before it becomes obvious?

In this episode, I look at what current research can — and cannot — tell us about subtle worsening without an obvious relapse.

The key distinction is important: noticing a change, detecting a trend, confirming progression and understanding its biological cause are four different steps.

We look at why a single clinic visit cannot prove irreversible progression, what the EDSS may miss, and how patient-reported outcomes and self-administered tests could help identify meaningful changes earlier.

I also discuss what MRI, OCT, neurofilament light chai...

This episode is the English translation and adaptation of my original German interview with Prof. Dr. Dr. Philipp Zimmer, first published in August 2023.

Prof. Zimmer is a sports scientist, neuroscientist and expert in exercise immunology. In our conversation, we explore how physical activity and structured exercise can influence multiple sclerosis, what happens in the immune system when we exercise, and why strength, endurance and balance training can all play an important role for people living with MS.

We also talk about fatigue, cognition, mobility, recovery and the question of how much exercise is actually helpful.<...

This episode is the English translation of my original German interview with Prof. Sigrid Arnade and Prof. Christoph Heesen, first published in April 2025. We explore what research currently tells us about stress and MS, where the evidence is still limited, and why psychological and social factors deserve a stronger place alongside biological aspects of multiple sclerosis care.

We discuss:

Cannabis is a popular and often emotional topic in the MS community. Some people hope it may help with spasticity, pain, sleep or other symptoms, while others are concerned about side effects, cognitive changes, dependency, high-potency THC products or complications such as cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, or CHS.

In this solo episode, I take a balanced look at what we currently know about cannabis and multiple sclerosis. I explain the difference between medical cannabinoid treatments such as Sativex/nabiximols, THC, CBD, recreational cannabis, edibles, concentrates and synthetic cannabinoid products. I also discuss where the evidence is strongest, where...

What does living with multiple sclerosis for 35 years teach you about treatment, disability, information and the role MS should have in your life?

In this episode, I talk with Dominic Shadbolt, founder of theMSguide and PatientSignal, about his long MS journey – from years of denial to becoming an outspoken patient advocate. We discuss his experience with several disease-modifying therapies, his thoughts on HSCT, increasing disability and the importance of staying physically active. Dominic also shares why misinformation makes him angry, what genuine patient involvement should look like and why shared decision-making needs both informed patients and responsible he...

Tai Chi and Qigong can be gentle, adaptable ways to support balance, coordination, mobility and body awareness in people with multiple sclerosis.

In this episode, I talk with Tai Chi instructor Mirko Lorenz about how these movement practices can be adapted for people with different levels of mobility and why slow, controlled movements can be surprisingly demanding.

Read the full interview on my blog: https://ms-perspektive.de/en/178-taichi-qigong/

We discuss:

What may be the first signs of multiple sclerosis? Which tests are needed to diagnose MS, and what happens after the diagnosis?

In this episode, I speak with Dr Datzmann, Senior Consultant at the MS Centre of Bezirksklinikum Mainkofen in Germany. He explains why diagnosing MS is like putting together a puzzle. Important pieces include the medical history, neurological examination, MRI scans, cerebrospinal fluid testing and the exclusion of other conditions.

We also discuss common early symptoms such as optic neuritis, sensory changes, walking difficulties, bladder problems and double vision. Dr Datzmann explains...

Progressive MS research has made important advances, but many questions about disability progression, biomarkers, treatment, and quality of life remain unanswered.

In this episode, I speak with Tim Coetzee, President and CEO of the National MS Society in the United States and Chair of the Executive Committee of the International Progressive MS Alliance.

Tim explains why the Alliance was created and how MS organizations, scientists, clinicians, industry partners, and people affected by MS are working together instead of conducting research in isolation.

We talk about the changing understanding of multiple sclerosis...

Pain is one of the most common and life-impacting symptoms in multiple sclerosis. In this episode, Nele talks with Rasmus Christian Jungersen, PhD student at the Department of Exercise Biology at Aarhus University in Denmark, about the different types of MS pain and how exercise and physical activity may help.

Rasmus explains the difference between neuropathic pain, nociceptive pain, spasticity-related pain, headaches, and mixed pain types. He also challenges one of the most common myths: chronic pain does not automatically mean ongoing tissue damage, and carefully adapted movement does not usually make pain worse in...

Deanna Renee and Rachel Kerr speak about living with multiple sclerosis in Australia, the importance of lived experience in policy, and the current uncertainty around PBS access to Ocrevus and Kesimpta. Both were diagnosed with MS at 17 and have tried several treatments before finding options that work for them. They explain why treatment decisions should remain between people with MS and their neurologists, and why cost-driven switching can create fear and instability. Deanna also shares how her Community Advocacy Kit helps people speak up, even with limited energy.

You can read the interview here: https...

In this episode, I speak with Anna-Katharina Eser, senior physician at the MS Centre in Mainkofen, Germany, about immunoadsorption in multiple sclerosis. Immunoadsorption is a specialized blood purification procedure that may be used when an acute MS relapse does not improve sufficiently after high-dose corticosteroid treatment.

Anna-Katharina Eser explains how the procedure works, why certain antibodies are filtered from the blood, how long treatment can take and which side effects may occur. She also discusses the difference between immunoadsorption and plasmapheresis, why corticosteroids are usually tried first, and why MS is not a dead end.<...

In this episode, Prof. Friedemann Paul from Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany, explains how the European CLAIMS project aims to improve multiple sclerosis care through AI-assisted decision support. CLAIMS brings together MRI, OCT, blood biomarkers such as neurofilament light chain, clinical data and patient-reported outcomes to support more precise predictions of MS progression.

This episode is supported by the European Charcot Foundation.

We talk about precision medicine, RAW and PIRA progression, trust in AI, clinical validation, access, reimbursement and what it takes to bring such a tool into everyday neurological care. A key message of the...

The gut–brain axis in multiple sclerosis is an exciting field of research that connects the gut microbiome, immune system and central nervous system. In this interview, Prof. Dr. Anne-Katrin Pröbstel explains how B cells, especially IgA-producing B cells, may influence inflammation in MS and why not all immune cells are harmful. She also discusses what current research can and cannot yet tell us about diet, vitamin D, smoking and future treatment approaches.

You can find the interview to read here: https://ms-perspektive.de/en/171-proebstel/

You'll learn:

In this episode, Nele talks with neurologist Dr. Thomas Grüter about vaccinations and multiple sclerosis. The original interview was published in German in December 2024. This English version has been translated and adapted for an international audience, because healthcare systems, vaccination schedules, reimbursement rules, and official recommendations differ from country to country.

Dr. Grüter explains why infections can be more challenging for people with MS, how vaccinations may help reduce certain risks, and why timing is especially important when disease-modifying therapies are involved. He also discusses common myths, the difference between inactivated and live vaccines, and va...

In this episode, Nele speaks with Dr. Ayush Chandra and Dr. Avinash Chandra about multiple sclerosis in Nepal. They explain why MS is still often diagnosed late, how limited access to MRI, neurologists and treatment affects people in rural and mountainous regions, and why awareness is so important for earlier diagnosis. The conversation also highlights the work of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Nepal, advocacy for more affordable medication, and the hope for stronger international collaboration to improve MS care in low-resource settings.

You can read through the interview here: https://ms-perspektive.com/169-ms-in-nepal

Topics...

In this episode, Dr. Isabel Voigt from the MS Center Dresden introduces the MS360° approach, a digital-first hybrid care model designed to make multiple sclerosis care more continuous, proactive, and personalized. She explains why today's MS care can feel fragmented, how important changes may be missed between appointments, and how digital tools such as apps, wearables, patient-reported outcomes, and telemedicine could support earlier detection of disease progression.

We also talk about the role of real-world data, artificial intelligence, digital twins, and patient participation in shaping the future of MS care. A special focus is placed o...

In episode #167, Sanam Saeedi shares her perspective on living with MS, fatigue, walking and energy. Diagnosed in 2019, she explains how symptoms such as foot drop, balance issues and fatigue changed her daily life — and why pushing through is not always the best answer.

As a neurological movement and fatigue coach, Sanam focuses on awareness, pacing, stabilization, strengthening and tracking. Her message is practical and encouraging: MS requires strategy, not just motivation. By understanding patterns in sleep, stress, nutrition, energy and movement, people with MS can make small, sustainable changes that support confidence and quality of life.

What are unseen MS symptoms really like? In this inspiring episode, Hjördís Ýrr Skúladóttir from Iceland shares her personal journey with multiple sclerosis, from diagnosis and burnout to becoming a patient advocate and former Chair of the Icelandic MS Society.

Together, we talk about invisible MS symptoms such as fatigue, bladder problems, and emotional exhaustion, while also exploring leadership, healthcare in Iceland, and the power of community support.

Hjördís explains how her background in education and policing shaped her resilience and communication skills, and why she believes openness and compass...

What does it really mean to live a meaningful life with multiple sclerosis?

In this episode, Patti Bevilacqua shares her deeply personal journey after being diagnosed with MS at just 22 years old. Instead of trying to "push through," she chose a different path—one shaped by self-awareness, resilience, and intentional living.

Today, Patti is a speaker and advocate for people with invisible challenges. In this conversation, she opens up about identity shifts, career changes, and why MS does not define who she is.

👉 Read the full blog article here:
https://ms-perspektive.com/165-patt...

The EMSP 2026 Conference in Berlin highlighted how much is currently evolving in multiple sclerosis (MS) – from improved diagnostics and emerging therapies to long-overdue topics like fatigue, PIRA, and menopause.

In this episode, I share my personal insights from Day 1 on site and summarize the key developments from Day 2. We explore why the "MS iceberg" is still widely misunderstood, how new approaches like CAR-T and stem cell therapy are shaping the future, and why access to care across Europe remains a major challenge.

👉 Read the full blog article:
https://ms-perspektive.de/en/164-emsp

🔎 What we...

In this episode, I speak with neurologist and researcher Professor Barbara Willekens about one of the most exciting and complex developments in MS research: CAR-T cell therapy.

Originally developed for blood cancers, this innovative treatment is now being explored for autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis. We discuss how CAR-T therapy works, how it differs from existing MS treatments, and why it may have the potential to "reset" the immune system.

At the same time, we take a close look at the current scientific evidence, including early clinical data, safety concerns, and why this therapy is...

Pain is one of the most common and challenging symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). In this episode, neurologist and pain specialist Dr. Camelia Ionescu explains how pain in MS develops—and how a multimodal approach can help manage it effectively.

👉 This episode is based on an interview originally recorded in German (January 2025) and has been translated to make these important insights accessible to an international audience.

You'll learn how different types of pain arise, why treatment must be individualized, and how combining medication, physiotherapy, psychological support, and self-management strategies can improve quality of life.

🔎...

In this episode, we talk about progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS), including primary progressive MS (PPMS) and secondary progressive MS (SPMS). Neurologist Dr. Thomas Knoll shares insights from over 30 years of clinical experience, focusing on disease mechanisms, current treatment options, and what people living with progressive MS can actively do to maintain their quality of life.

💡 Note: This episode is based on an interview originally recorded in November 2023 and has been translated and adapted for an international audience.

A key takeaway: While neurodegeneration is still difficult to treat, an active lifestyle, symptom management, and strong support sys...

The EMSP Conference 2026 is one of Europe's most important events for people living with MS, NMOSD, and MOGAD—and you can join online for free.

Even though the conference takes place in Berlin this year, onsite participation is already fully booked. But the good news is: you don't have to miss out. From April 24–25, 2026, you can follow all sessions virtually and gain access to the latest insights in diagnosis, treatment, and patient care.

This year's focus: 👉 From Diagnosis to Access: Data-Driven Solutions for MS, NMOSD, and MOGAD

You'll hear from leading experts, researchers, and pat...

In this episode, we explore multiple sclerosis in Saudi Arabia with neurologist Dr. Yasser Alamri. He shares insights into MS care, treatment access, research developments, and the growing awareness of the disease.

You'll learn how early diagnosis and high-efficacy therapies can improve long-term outcomes, why multidisciplinary care is essential, and how stigma is being reduced through education and support programs. This episode offers valuable perspectives for people living with MS, caregivers, and healthcare professionals alike.

🧠 Topics covered in this episode

This episode explores shared decision making in multiple sclerosis (MS) and why it is essential for patient-centered care.

👉 Note: This is the English version of an interview originally recorded in German in November 2024. You can find the original German episode here: 🔗 https://ms-perspektive.de/278-uli-rueffer/

You can also read the full English article with all insights and resources on my website: 🔗 https://ms-perspektive.de/en/158-rueffer

Together with Dr. Jens Ulrich Rüffer, we discuss how patients and doctors can make treatment decisions together on equal footing—and why this leads to better outcomes, hi...

In this episode of the MS-Perspektive Podcast, neurologist Dr. Joachim Havla explains the potential of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) for monitoring and understanding multiple sclerosis.

OCT is a quick, non-invasive eye scan that measures the tiny layers of the retina with micrometer precision. Because the retina is part of the central nervous system, researchers are investigating whether OCT measurements could help detect neurodegeneration and disease activity in MS.

In this interview we also discuss the role of optic neuritis and why it is important to distinguish between Multiple Sclerosis, Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) and...

Sexuality is still a taboo topic for many people with multiple sclerosis (MS), even though sexual dysfunction is a common symptom of the disease. In this episode, I speak with neurologist Dr. Markus Heibel, medical director of a specialized MS clinic in Germany, about why sexual problems occur in MS—and what can help.

We discuss the difference between primary, secondary, and tertiary sexual dysfunction, how symptoms like spasticity, pain, medication side effects, or psychological stress can affect intimacy, and which treatment options exist. Dr. Heibel also shares practical strategies from clinical practice—from physiotherapy and psychotherapy to c...

Why does multiple sclerosis progress very differently from person to person? And could your genes help predict your individual MS pathway in the future?

In this episode of the MS Perspektive Podcast, I speak with neurologist and researcher Dr. Karim Kreft from the University of Nottingham about his groundbreaking work on genetic subtypes in MS.

His research explores whether known MS risk genes may also influence long-term disease progression and response to treatment. Using genetic clustering methods, his team identified three distinct genetic groups of MS patients – with interesting differences in progression and treatment benefit.

How safe are MS therapies? And how do we actually know?

In this episode, neurologist Dr. Nora Möhn explains the concept of pharmacovigilance — the continuous monitoring of drug safety from early development through approval and real-world use.

This conversation was originally published in September 2023 on the German MS-Perspektive podcast. For this English edition, regulatory references and country-specific details have been carefully adapted to reflect internationally relevant systems and resources. The medical content remains fully up to date.

You will learn:

What pharmacovigilance means and why it is essential for people wit...

In this episode of MS-Perspektive International, host Nele von Horsten speaks with David Walzik, PhD student in exercise science at TU Dortmund University and medical student at the University of Cologne, about exercise immunology and what current research can tell us about immune adaptation through movement.

David explains the difference between epidemiological findings and underlying biological mechanisms, and shares results from a recent study comparing high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with moderate-intensity continuous exercise. While both types of exercise mobilized immune cells, high-intensity exercise led to much stronger changes inside the immune cells — with over 1,000 proteins reorganized after ju...

This time I speak with Dr. Ingrid Klingmann about empowering patient voices in medical research and innovation.

Dr. Klingmann is one of the initiators of EUPATI, a European initiative dedicated to educating patients about the medicines development process. Drawing on her experience as a physician, researcher, and former cancer patient, she explains why informed patients are essential partners in clinical research.

The conversation explores how patient education improves clinical trials, why lay summaries matter, and how digital tools can help patients move from passive recipients to active contributors in healthcare and research.

In this episode of the MS Perspektive Podcast, Nele von Horsten speaks with Paola Escamilla Greenham, MS patient advocate and patient experience designer living in Grenoble, France.

Paola shares how her life with multiple sclerosis reshaped her priorities and led her toward patient advocacy across Europe. She talks openly about her diagnosis, the emotional shock that followed, and why joy has become her guiding principle in daily life. The conversation explores the importance of community, lived experience in healthcare design, and Paola's vision for involving patients more meaningfully in MedTech and Biotech innovation.

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Research News with Dr. Boris Kallmann

In this episode of the MS Perspective Podcast, we focus on chronic smoldering inflammation in multiple sclerosis (MS) – a process that can drive slow disease progression, even when relapses no longer occur.

I speak with Dr. Boris Kallmann, neurologist and MS specialist, about how these subtle changes develop, how they can be recognized in everyday clinical practice, and which treatment options are available today – and may become available in the near future.

👉 You can also read the full interview on my blog, where this episode is available as a wr...

What can your mouth tell us about multiple sclerosis?

In this episode of the MS-Perspektive Podcast, Professor Dr. Ashutosh Mangalam, immunologist and microbiome researcher at the University of Iowa, shares fascinating insights into the oral microbiome and multiple sclerosis. While most MS research focuses on the gut, this conversation highlights why oral bacteria and their metabolites may also play an important role in inflammation, immune regulation, and disease activity.

We talk about what the microbiome is, how the oral microbiome differs in people with MS, and why beneficial bacteria are reduced while potentially...

In this episode, Prof. Dr. Heinz Wiendl discusses why disease progression can occur even when relapses are well controlled and MRI scans appear stable. The conversation focuses on how subtle changes can develop over time, how they can be recognized earlier, and what this means for people living with MS.

This episode was supported by Sanofi S.A. and is an English translation of the original German interview.

You can find the full blog article with all questions, answers, and additional context here: 👉 https://ms-perspektive.de/en/148-heinz-wiendl/

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