Differences Between General Neurologists and Multiple Sclerosis Specialists in the Management of Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A National Survey

dc.contributor.authorKurtuncu, Murat
dc.contributor.authorTuncer, Asli
dc.contributor.authorUygunoglu, Ugur
dc.contributor.authorCaliskan, Zeynep
dc.contributor.authorKokenli Paksoy, Aysenur
dc.contributor.authorEfendi, Husnu
dc.contributor.authorSagduyu Kocaman, Ayse
dc.contributor.authorOzcan, Cemal
dc.contributor.authorTerzi, Murat
dc.contributor.authorTuran, Omer Faruk
dc.contributor.authorSaip, Sabahattin
dc.contributor.authorKarabudak, Rana
dc.contributor.authorSiva, Aksel
dc.date.accessioned2023-02-21T12:40:49Z
dc.date.available2023-02-21T12:40:49Z
dc.date.issued2019-01-01
dc.description.abstractIntroduction: The management of multiple sclerosis (MS) has become more complicated after the introduction of new diagnostic and treatment options. Despite the abundance of guidelines, the experience of physicians still plays a major role in the management of patients. This study aimed to define differences in behavior patterns between general neurologists (GNs) and MS specialists (MSSs). Methods: We conducted a survey of 36 questions to 318 neurologists, including 33 MSSs. The survey covered topics including laboratory investigations, pregnancy, and treatment. Results: Our study found many differences between GNs and MSSs in terms of management, the most important being treatment initiation and switching. GNs had a tendency to initiate treatment later than MSSs however, they tended to switch treatment faster. Our study also showed that GNs ordered magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) more frequently than MSSs, even if patients were clinically stable. Moreover, although GNs more frequently relied on MRI, they did not consider brain atrophy as an important measure in the follow-up of their patients. Furthermore, GNs considered replacement therapy less often than MSSs, even in patients with vitamin D deficiency. Discussion: Our study revealed important discrepancies between the management patterns of GNs and MSSs in MS patients. These findings suggest the need for a national education program for GNs on MSSs.
dc.description.issue4
dc.description.issueDEC
dc.description.pages269-272
dc.description.volume56
dc.identifier.doi10.5152/npa.2017.19387
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/11443/2655
dc.identifier.urihttp://dx.doi.org/10.5152/npa.2017.19387
dc.identifier.wosWOS:000510207600008
dc.publisherAVES
dc.relation.ispartofNOROPSIKIYATRI ARSIVI-ARCHIVES OF NEUROPSYCHIATRY
dc.subjectMultiple sclerosis
dc.subjectgeneral neurologists
dc.subjectmultiple sclerosis specialists
dc.subjectmanagement differences
dc.titleDifferences Between General Neurologists and Multiple Sclerosis Specialists in the Management of Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A National Survey
dc.typeArticle

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