Neuroprotection With Riluzole Patients With Early Multiple Sclerosis

To determine the effect of riluzole up to 50 mg bid on MRI parameters, including T1 lesions load, atrophy of gray and white matter, and 1H-MRSI; and to determine safety of riluzole when administered orally up to 50 mg bid for 2 years in double blinded clinical trial of patients with clinically isolated syndromes (CIS) and at least 2 silent T2-bright areas in the deep white matter. These patients have a high risk of conversion to MS within 2 years and faster rate of atrophy (Dalton 2004). Specific aims: 1. To determine the effect of treatment compared to placebo on annual change in measures of normalized brain gray and white matter volume changes. 2. To determine the effect of riluzole compared to placebo on annual change in proton spectroscopic intensities of N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) and glutamate in normal appearing white matter (NAWM), in acute and chronic lesions. 3. To determine the safety of riluzole up to 50 mg bid in patients with CIS in association to Avonex (Interferon beta 1a) 30 mcg IM once a week. 4. To monitor changes on MS functional composite (MSFC) (Cutter 1999, Rudick 1998), optic coherence tomography (OCT), low contrast sensitivity and EDSS in these patients. 5. To monitor recovery from exacerbations.