Although there is still no cure for MS, effective strategies are available to modify the disease course, treat exacerbations (also called attacks, relapses, or flare-ups), manage symptoms, improve function and safety, and provide emotional support. In combination, these treatments enhance the quality of life for people living with MS.
Modifying the Disease Course
The following agents can reduce disease activity and disease progression for many individuals with relapsing forms of MS, including those with secondary progressive disease who continue to have relapses.
- Disease Management Consensus Statement (.pdf)
Recommendations and principles from the Society’s National Clinical Advisory Board for health care professionals and people with MS—to guide treatment with the disease-modifying drugs.
- The Disease-Modifying Drugs (.pdf)
A booklet describing the approved use, dosage and route of delivery, side effects, benefits, and available support programs.
- Patient Assistance Programs
A listing of the pharmaceutical company financial assistance programs to help manage the costs of the drugs.
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Treatment Locations
These clinical facilities have a formal affiliation with the National MS Society. The appropriate chapter clinical advisory committee, composed of MS experts, has reviewed and approved the affiliation.
Treating Exacerbations
An exacerbation of MS is caused by inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS) that causes damage to the myelin and slows or blocks the transmission of nerve impulses. To be a true exacerbation, the attack must last at least 24 hours and be separated from a previous exacerbation by at least 30 days. However, most exacerbations last from a few days to several weeks or even months. Exacerbations can be mild or severe enough to interfere with a person’s ability to function at home and at work. Severe exacerbations are most commonly treated with high-dose corticosteroids to reduce the inflammation.
Managing Symptoms
Symptoms of MS are highly variable from person to person and from time to time in the same individual. While symptoms can range from mild to severe, most can be successfully managed with strategies that include medication, self-care techniques, rehabilitation (with a physical or occupation therapist, speech/language pathologist, cognitive remediation specialist, among others), and the use of assistive devices.
Promoting Function through Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation programs focus on function—they are designed to help you improve or maintain your ability to perform effectively and safely at home and at work. Rehabilitation professionals focus on overall fitness and energy management, while addressing problems with accessibility and mobility, speech and swallowing, and memory and other cognitive functions.
Rehabilitation is an important component of comprehensive, quality health care for people with MS, at all stages of the disease. Rehabilitation programs include:
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Therapy for Speech and Swallowing Problems
- Cognitive Rehabilitation
- Vocational Rehabilitation
The Role of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
CAM includes everything from exercise and diet to food supplements, stress management strategies, and lifestyle changes. These therapies come from various disciplines and traditions—yoga, hypnosis, relaxation techniques, traditional herbal healing, Chinese medicine, macrobiotics, naturopathy, and many others. They are referred to as complementary when they are used in conjunction with conventional medical treatments and alternative when they are used instead of conventional treatments.
Treatment Updates
New Data Support Early Interferon Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis
Nov 12, 2009
In a study of 2,570 people with MS, early treatment with interferon therapy was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of MS progression. Maria Trojano, MD (University of Bari, Italy) and colleagues from 14 other Italian centers report their findings in Annals of Neurology. (2009 May 28;66(4):513-520)
Update on Tysabri and PML: Company Releases Details of Cases and Risks
Oct 29, 2009
According to information released yesterday by Biogen Idec, there have been 24 confirmed cases of PML among people who have used Tysabri after it became available for prescription in July 2006. Some details about the 24 cases are provided.
European Drug Agency to Weigh Risks/Benefits of Tysabri -- cites 23 cases of PML
Oct 23, 2009
Today the EMEA, the European equivalent of the U.S. FDA, released a statement indicating that one of its advisory committees was launching a review of the risks and benefits of Tysabri in light of 23 confirmed cases of PML that it says have occurred since the drug has been on the market.
PreCISe Study Results – Showing Benefit of Copaxone® in People at High Risk for MS – Published
Oct 07, 2009
Results of the PreCISe Study – which showed that early treatment with Copaxone® (glatiramer acetate, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries) delayed the development of definite multiple sclerosis – have now been published. Dr. Giancarlo Comi (Scientific Institute San Raffaele, Milan) and colleagues presented results of this study at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology in 2008, and based on these results, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) extended the labeling of Copaxone to include people with MS who have experienced a first clinical episode and have MRI features consistent with MS. The team’s report has now been published in the Lancet (published online October 7, 2009).
Update on Tysabri and PML
Sep 18, 2009
According to the FDA, there have been 13 confirmed cases of PML, a viral infection of the brain that usually leads to death or severe disability, among people who have used Tysabri after it became available for prescription in July 2006. The latest post-marketing safety warnings provided by the FDA on Tysabri can be found at this link: http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm107198.htm