Treatments for MS

Treatments

Multiple sclerosis has no cure, but medications can be prescribed to help improve patient quality of life.

Therapies for Acute Relapses

When a patient experiences frequent relapses, steroids are often be prescribed to shorten and lessen the severity of the symptoms. Steroids, e.g., intravenous methylprednisolone, reduce inflammation and is usually given once a day for three-to-five days.

Disease Modifying Therapies

There are currently more than 10 disease modifying therapies approved by the FDA that change the disease course, reducing the frequency and severity of relapses and/or slowing down the disease associated disability. Various forms (pills, self-injectable, or intravenous) of disease modifying therapies are available. Early diagnosis, proper selection, adjustment of therapy and close monitoring of multiple sclerosis activity may significantly improve short-term and or long-term outcomes. Choosing the right medication requires careful consideration of the risks and benefits, along with close collaboration with an experienced neurologist with experience in treating the disease.

Symptomatic Therapies & A Multidisciplinary Approach

Many medications are available for the management of symptoms in people with multiple sclerosis. These medicines may be prescribed for fatigue, pain, tingling, muscle spasms, spasticity (stiff, tight muscles), memory loss depression, etc. For some patients, medications may not be enough. Rehabilitation that involves physical and occupational therapy are often employed to improve and maintain normal or baseline body function. A multidisciplinary team approach with services from urology, psychiatry, and pain medicine is required in many patients with multiple sclerosis.