TheTOPICstudy.com
MS Clinical Research Study

• Understanding My Symptoms
• What is Multiple Sclerosis?
• What is "Possible MS"?
• What are Some Signs of MS?
• Learn More about the TOPIC Study
• Why Consider a Clinical Trial?
• Study Centres Enrolling Patients in the TOPIC Study
• Resources

You have had unexplained symptoms. Your doctor says it could be one of a number of things. One possibility is Multiple Sclerosis (MS). You probably have many questions and concerns. Now, more than ever, it is important for you to learn more.

What is Multiple Sclerosis? top

Every nerve in your body is covered by a substance called myelin (my-eh-lin). Myelin helps to protect your nerves and carries signals to every part of your body. In MS, this myelin covering becomes swollen and damaged. The result is scarring, or sclerosis (skle-ro-sis). This nerve scarring can slow or prevent the delivery of nerve messages, affecting muscle coordination, strength, sensation, and vision.

What is Possible MS? top

Most people who have been diagnosed with MS have a period of uncertainty after the first appearance of symptoms. The symptom(s) you are experiencing may suggest a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis, but this diagnosis has not yet been confirmed. It can be very difficult to wait until a second episode occurs before seeking a firm diagnosis and exploring treatment options.

What are Some Signs of Multiple Sclerosis? top

Everyone experiences symptoms a little differently. However, some common signs of MS include:

• Double vision or blurring of vision
• Tingling or pain in parts of your body
• Electric-shock sensations with certain head movements
• Tremors, lack of coordination or balance
• Extreme lack of energy
• Dizziness
• Numbness or weakness in arms or legs

Learn More About the TOPIC study. top

The TOPIC study is testing an oral investigational medication versus placebo for those at high risk of developing MS. Medical research has shown that such people may benefit by being treated with medication earlier rather than waiting for a definitive diagnosis of MS.

To learn more about the TOPIC study and this potential oral therapy, please download the TOPIC study brochure to learn more about this important clinical research study.

Why Consider a Clinical Trial? top

The injection and infusion medications currently approved for the treatment of MS were developed through the clinical research process. This process allows researchers to gather valuable information on the safety and effectiveness of investigational medications. By participating in a clinical trial, you will receive:

• Ongoing study-related monitoring by a team of medical professionals
• Extensive screening tests including ongoing MRI exams
• All study-related visits and tests provided at no cost.

Study Centres Enrolling Patients
in the TOPIC Study: top

Below is a list of study centres that are currently enrolling patients. Please contact the study centre nearest you to see if you qualify for the TOPIC study.

Active Sites

• The Royal London Hospital, Department of Neurology
  City: London
  Investigator: Dr. Ben Turner
  Phone: 0207 377 7000
  Email: Benjamin.Turner@bartsandthelondon.nhs.uk
  Study Co-ordinator: Sara Soudain
  Phone: 0207 882 8439
  
• The Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Department of Neurology
  City: Sheffield
  Investigator: Dr. Sian Price
  Phone: 0114 2711977
  Email: Sian.Price@sth.nhs.uk
  
• St. George's Hospital, Department of Neurology
  City: London
  Investigator: Dr. David Barnes
  Phone: 0208 725 4631
  Email: David.Barnes@stgeorges.nhs.uk
  Study Co-ordinator: Christine Gregory
  Phone: 0208 725 4631
  
• Queens Medical Centre, Division of Clinical Neurology
  City: Nottingham
  Investigator: Dr. Nikos Evangelou
  Phone: 0115 849 3285
  Email: nikos_evangelou@nuh.nhs.uk
  Study Co-ordinator: Kathryn Hewitt
  Phone: 01158493285
  Email: kathryn.hewitt@nuh.nhs.uk
  
• Greater Manchester Neurosciences Centre
  City: Manchester
  Investigator: Dr. David Rog
  Phone: 0161 206 0534
  Email: David.Rog@srft.nhs.uk
  Study Co-ordinator: Stephanie Mitchell
  Phone: 0161 206 0534
  

Resources

To learn more about MS, visit the links below:

National MS Society

www.mssociety.org

The UK's largest charity for people affected by multiple sclerosis

British Pain Society

www.britishpainsociety.org

A resource for both professionals and patients researching pain management

MS Resource Centre

www.msrc.co.uk

A charity committed to supporting anyone affected by multiple sclerosis through access to unbiased information and advice.

MS Support Centre

www.mssupport.co.uk

Provides professional therapies, support and advice to help in managing the symptoms of MS

MS Trust

www.msresearchtrust.org.uk

Provides information for anyone affected by multiple sclerosis and education programmes for health professionals

National MS Therapy Centres

www.ms-selfhelp.org

Self-help Therapy Centres offering assistance to thousands of people with multiple sclerosis throughout England and Wales