MS-Perspektive - The Multiple Sclerosis Podcast

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 ne...

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 ant...

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 e...

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 a...

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...

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 o...

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,...

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...

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...

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 challeng...

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 app...

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 wh...

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 accessibl...

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: Th...

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 insight...

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 a...

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 we...

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...

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 dysfu...

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...

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 coun...

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 biologica...

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...

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 bec...

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 p...