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

• Personal impressions from EMSP 2026 in Berlin
• Patient stories: MS and NMOSD
• McDonald Criteria 2024 and improved MS diagnosis
• The "MS iceberg" and invisible symptoms like fatigue
• Poster insights: fatigue as a key burden in MS
• MS Selfie and decision support tools for immunotherapies
• CAR-T cell therapy and stem cell therapy
• Menopause and MS
• PIRA (Progression Independent of Relapse Activity)
• Access to MS care across Europe

👉 Barbara Willekens on CAR-T cell therapy
👉 Christoph Heesen on stem cell therapy
👉 Roland Martin on aHSCT
👉 Riley Bove on menopause & MS
👉 Gavin Giovannoni on PIRA
👉 Fatigue article
👉 Article: From Fatigue to Focus (ECTRIMS insights)
👉 MS Selfie Microsite: https://msselfie.co.uk/
👉 McDonald Criterie 2024

👉 Full blog article:
https://ms-perspektive.de/en/164-emsp

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See you soon and try to make the best out of your life,
Nele

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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 still far from routine clinical use. You'll also learn who might be eligible for current trials and what the future of CAR-T in MS care could look like.

You can read the full blog article here: https://ms-perspektive.de/EN/163-car-t-cell-therapy

• What CAR-T cell therapy is and how it works
• Why B cells play a key role in MS
• How CAR-T differs from current MS treatments
• What "immune reset" means—and why it's still a hypothesis
• Who might be eligible for CAR-T therapy trials
• Risks such as cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity
• What we can learn from lupus and cancer research
• Where clinical trials are currently taking place
• Why experts are both hopeful and cautious

• Previous episode: MS Brain Health Strategy (Episode 125)
• Clinical trials database: https://clinicaltrials.gov
• Mackensen et al., Nature Medicine (2022) – CAR-T in lupus
• DiLillo et al., Blood Advances (2021)

Note: This episode is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before making any treatment decisions.

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See you soon and try to make the best out of your life,
Nele

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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.

• What causes pain in multiple sclerosis
• The difference between nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic pain
• Which medication options are available
• How physiotherapy and interdisciplinary care support pain relief
• Why psychological assessment and therapy are essential
• How patients can strengthen self-empowerment in everyday life
• Which complementary and alternative approaches may help
• When multimodal pain therapy becomes necessary

👉 You can find the full article with all questions and detailed answers here:
https://ms-perspektive.de/en/162-pain-relief

For further information and support, these organizations provide reliable, up-to-date resources:

• National Multiple Sclerosis Society
• MS International Federation
• International Association for the Study of Pain

Note: This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Dr. Camelia Ionescu: I would like to tell everyone affected: Do not give up! There are always ways to relieve pain and improve quality of life. It can take time, but together we will find the right solution.

Nele von Horsten: Thank you very much, Dr. Ionescu, for the insights and valuable tips. Your work is so important. Thank you!

See you soon and try to make the best out of your life,
Nele

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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 systems can make a meaningful difference.

👉 Read the full interview (English):
https://ms-perspektive.com/161-pms

• What defines PPMS and how it differs from other MS types
• Typical symptoms and disease progression
• Current treatment options and limitations
• Role of B-cell therapies (e.g., Ocrelizumab)
• Importance of early intervention
• Rehabilitation, physiotherapy, and lifestyle factors
• How to maintain quality of life with progressive MS
• Patient support, networks, and resources
• Future research and treatment perspectives

Organizations & Support:

• German Multiple Sclerosis Society (DMSG): https://www.dmsg.de
• AMSEL (MS patient organization): https://www.amsel.de
• Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF): https://www.msif.org
• European Multiple Sclerosis Platform (EMSP): https://www.emsp.org

Recommended by Dr. Knoll:

• MS Selfie: https://msselfie.co.uk/

Further information & networks:

• NeuroTransData: https://www.neurotransdata.com
• NeuroTransConcept: https://www.neurotransconcept.com
• Neuromuenchen (Dr. Knoll): https://www.neuromuenchen.de

I see what a difference it makes whether patients engage with their condition or not.

This helps to develop a realistic understanding, reduces fear, and creates perspective.

Thank you to Dr. Thomas Knoll for his insights into progressive MS and for repeatedly emphasizing how important it is to actively engage with the disease in order to shape everyday life—even with progressive MS.

See you soon and try to make the best out of your life,
Nele

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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 patient advocates—including familiar voices from the MS-Perspektive podcast like:

• Barbara Willekens: https://ms-perspektive.de/en/125-barbara-willekens/
• Leda Bresnov: https://ms-perspektive.de/en/82-leda/

A unique opportunity to learn, connect, and feel empowered—no matter where you are.

• What makes the EMSP Conference 2026 special
• Why online participation is a game changer
• Latest developments in MS, NMOSD, and MOGAD
• Early diagnosis and new criteria (McDonald 2024)
• Access to treatment across Europe
• Patient perspectives and advocacy
• The role of data, registries, and real-world evidence
• Why this conference is especially valuable for people affected

• EMSP Conference 2026 (official info & registration): https://eu.eventscloud.com/website/19094/registration/
• Barbara Willekens on MS-Perspektive:
  https://ms-perspektive.de/en/125-barbara-willekens/
• Leda Bresnov on MS-Perspektive:
  https://ms-perspektive.de/en/82-leda/
• Link to blog article:
  https://ms-perspektive.de/en/160-emsp

• People living with MS, NMOSD, or MOGAD
• Newly diagnosed patients
• Caregivers and family members
• Healthcare professionals
• Anyone interested in the latest MS research and advocacy

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See you soon and try to make the best out of your life,
Nele

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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.

• Dr. Alamri's journey into neurology and MS specialization
• MS prevalence in Saudi Arabia and why numbers are underestimated
• Evolution of MS awareness among healthcare providers and the public
• Access to neurologists and MS specialists across regions
• Multidisciplinary care: the role of nurses, psychologists, and therapists
• Treatment strategies and early use of high-efficacy therapies
• Therapy switching and patient-centered decision-making
• Public perception, stigma, and psychological impact
• Importance of rehabilitation services in MS care
• Current MS research and the need for national registries
• International collaboration and personalized medicine approaches
• Message of hope: why early treatment makes a difference

• 🌐 You can read a shortened version of the interview here: https://ms-perspektive.de/en/159-saudi-arabia
• 🐦 Follow Dr. Yasser Alamri on X (Twitter):
  https://x.com/dryasseralamri?s=21 (search for "Yasser Alamri")
• 🎵 TikTok (educational content & awareness):
  https://www.tiktok.com/@dryasseralamri?_r=1&_t=ZS-94xQT3NpgmH

Dr. Alamri:
MS today is very different from the past. We now have effective treatments, better understanding, and improved long-term outcomes.

Do not delay evaluation. Do not fear treatment. Early care truly makes a difference.

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See you soon and try to make the best out of your life,
Nele

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Click here for an overview of all podcast episodes published so far.

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, higher satisfaction, and more sustainable care.

• What shared decision making (SDM) really means in MS care

• Why patient empowerment improves treatment outcomes

• How doctors and patients can communicate more effectively

• Which tools (e.g. decision aids, coaching) support SDM

• Why SDM is still not widely implemented

• How artificial intelligence may support future decision-making

• Whether patients can (and should) delegate decisions

• Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF) – global resources on MS, patient empowerment, and access to care

• European Multiple Sclerosis Platform (EMSP) – European initiatives on patient rights and healthcare quality

• International Shared Decision Making Society – research and best practices on shared decision making

Shared decision making in multiple sclerosis is a key element of modern, patient-centered healthcare. When patients are fully informed and actively involved, they can choose treatments that truly fit their lives.

This episode highlights how collaboration between patients and healthcare professionals improves adherence, outcomes, and quality of life—and why this approach is the future of MS care.

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See you soon and try to make the best out of your life,
Nele

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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 MOG Antibody Disease (MOGAD).

🎧 Note: This episode is the English adaptation of a German interview.

Read the original German article:
https://ms-perspektive.de/EN/157-oct

Learn more about the research of Dr. Havla's team at the:
Havla Lab – Neuro\Vision

• Why the eye can reveal changes in the brain

• How OCT works and what it measures

• Optic neuritis in MS, NMOSD and MOGAD

• What retinal thinning may tell us about neurodegeneration

• Current OCT research and future perspectives for MS care

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See you soon and try to make the best out of your life,
Nele

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Click here for an overview of all podcast episodes published so far.