Traditionally understood view that multiple sclerosis passes as a chronic autoimmune inflammation of the central nervous system leading to manifestations of perivascular inflammatory lesions in the cerebral white matter with resulting demyelinization appears to be incomplete. In conjunction with new morphological and moleculo-biological findings it is evident that even in initial phases of the disease there occur excessive axonal loss in which inflammatory events participate, as well as neurodegenerative changes. This axonal loss leads to an irreversible neurological deficiency. As the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis can be established very quickly thanks to new diagnostic criteria, an early anti-inflammatory therapy must be initiated. New neuroprotective remedies should be introduced into therapeutical practice for influencing neurodegenerative changes.

        Key words: multiple sclerosis, etiopathogenesis, axonal pathology, neurodegeneration, neuroprotection