ISTANBUL, May 31, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Istanbul, Turkey - 31 May, 1 June 2013

Serono Symposia International Foundation (SSIF) organizes the annual meeting in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) "How to translate new insights in MS into clinical practice", that will start today in Istanbul. During this live educational conference, leading international experts will meet to discuss the latest scientific research on the pathogenesis and treatment of multiple sclerosis; they will also share how to translate this knowledge into the everyday treatment of patients.

     (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120501/529205/ )

Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic, inflammatory condition of the central nervous system and is the most common, non-traumatic, disabling neurological disease in young adults. It is estimated that approximately two million people have MS worldwide.

While symptoms can vary, the most common symptoms of MS include blurred vision, numbness or tingling in the limbs and problems with strength and coordination. The relapsing forms of MS are the most common.

"It is essential that patients receive a prompt diagnosis and the most suitable drug for them," says David Bates from Department of Neurology Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne (UK). "This meeting represents the opportunity to discuss the most recent diagnostic tools and debate the increasing range of treatment options for MS."

The live educational meeting will consist of six interactive sessions and each session will be enriched by the presentation of case studies. The final session of the meeting will focus on what is known about childhood MS.

"Although multiple sclerosis occurs most commonly in adults, sometime it is also diagnosed in children and adolescents," declares Magnhild Sandberg -Wollheim from Department of Neurology, Lund University Hospital, Lund (Sweden). "This is why we have dedicated a session of the Istanbul meeting to discuss the best way to approach the treatment of pediatric in MS."

"SSIF has provided MS specialists with educational activities over the last 2 decades to help improve their knowledge and enhance their practice," says Rachel Clark, Chief Executive Officer of SSIF. "Our Foundation aims to encourage the strong interaction between physicians and other health care professionals, which is vital in the diagnosis and treatment of MS and in the management of MS patients."

Serono Symposia International Foundation (SSIF) is a non-profit organization based in Geneva (Switzerland). It was founded to disseminate the most innovative achievements and potential developments in medical and scientific research through Continuing Medical Education programs intended to improve patients' lives.

Serena Dell'Ariccia, +39(06)420413-251, info@seronosymposia.org

SOURCE Serono Symposia International Foundation (SSIF)