VA Videos on Multiple Sclerosis and Disease Modifying Therapies

In June 2010, the VA assembled a panel of experts on Multiple Sclerosis (MS) from the VA's East and West Centers of Excellence in a satellite video broadcast. The focus is Disease Modifying Therapies (DMTs). The panel covers topics from what causes MS to current DMTs, side effects, new DMT under development, and VA services for Veterans with MS. On several topics, Veterans with MS relate their personal experiences: how they coped with the MS diagnosis, their views on DMTs, the importance of maintaining a positive outlook, and the support of their family and community. The target audience for the videos is primarily VA providers, but the information is very relevant and useful to Veterans, their families and other care givers. For your convenience, we have divided the 90 minute broadcast into shorter clips on specific topics. Click on any of the images or titles below to see the videos.

	Panel of Experts - What is MS? Introducing the panel of VA experts on Multiple Sclerosis (MS) from the VA Centers of Excellence. They discuss what is MS. Several Veterans with MS give their perspective on the disease. (6 minutes)		Who gets MS - Risk Factors? Mitch Wallin discusses factors that increase the risk of developing MS, including age, sex, genetics and environment. Smoking may be a trigger for the disease. (5.5 minutes)
	MS and Vitamin D Emerging evidence from VA and other studies suggests that vitamin D may be a factor in decreased risk of developing MS. (2.5 minutes)		Military Service and MS Current research is looking for a connection between military service and MS, studying potential risk factors unique to Veterans - such as geography (deployment in the Gulf) and vacinations. (6.5 minutes)
	Disease Modifying Therapies The panel discusses the different types of disease modifying therapies (DMT) for multiple sclerosis. Several Veterans also give their views. (7 minutes)		Effectiveness and Side Effects The panel discusses DMT and their effectiveness, including interferons, Glatiramer acetate, Natalizumab, and Mitoxantrone. (7 minutes)
	Veterans talk about side effects Several Veterans talk about DMT side effects and their experiences vary widely. The panel responds to their different reactions. (3 minutes)		Diagnosing Multiple Sclerosis The panel discusses the difficulty of diagnosing MS, the value of MRIs and the importance of a hands-on exam. (3.5 minutes)
	How to decide on a DMT The experts discuss fitting the medication to the patient's profile and involving them in the decision. Veteran share their experiences. (4 minutes)		New Developments in DMT Michelle Cameron discusses new drugs being tested. These are in pill form. She focuses on two drugs, Cladribine and Finolimod, which are closest to approval. (9 minutes)
	VA's MS Care Network Jodie Haselkorn explains the MS care network, the goals of the Centers of Excellence and the VA's person-centered care model (6 minutes)		Changes in Diagnosis & Geography. Discussion on the increased use of MRIs for earlier diagnosis. Also which countries and areas have the most incidences of MS. (4 minutes)
	Multiple Sclerosis and Dalfampridline Christopher Bever, director of the MS Center of Excellence East at the Baltimore VA, discusses a recently approved drug which improves walking in MS. (9 minutes)		How to Keep Informed Veterans tell how they keep informed on new developments in MS and DMT. The panel encourages patients to be well informed but to be careful of the sources. (3.5 minutes)
	Patient optimism & community support People with MS and people who treat it seem to be more hopeful than they have ever been. In this video, hear what some veterans had to say. (3.5 minutes)		VA Social Support Programs Jodie Haselkorn describes the VA's many support programs and social activities for Veterans with MS and their care givers. (2 minutes)
	VA Experts Panel Summary More work is needed on what causes MS and what makes it progress. New DMT are coming. In the meantime, providers need to develop treatment plans that target symptoms that are bothering patients. This will have the greatest impact on their quality of life. (3.5 minutes)

This and other satellite broadcasts are available for free on DVD. Go to this link to see the full set of DVDs available http://www.va.gov/MS/articles/Education/MSCoE_Satellite_Broadcast_DVD_Programs.asp or contact Dr. Marsha Tarver, Associate Director of Education, MSCoE-West marsha.tarver@va.gov