Multiple Sclerosis Treatment

The goals of MS treatment are to relieve symptoms, prevent relapses, delay disability, and slow disease progression.

Treatments include:

Medications

Medications may include:

• Corticosteroids-to reduce nerve tissue inflammation and shorten MS flare-ups
• Interferon beta (Betaseron)-(a protein that naturally occurs in the body)-used to suppress the immune system
• Glatiramer acetate -to help prevent MS relapses by modifying the function of the immune system
• Other immunosuppressive drugs, such as:
  • Intravenous immunoglobulin
  • Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)
  • Mitoxantrone (Novantrone)
  • Azathioprine (Imuran, Azasan)
  • Methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall)
• Intravenous immunoglobulin
• Natalizumab (Tysabri)-for relapsing MS (This medication is under a mandatory registration program.)
• Muscle relaxants-to treat muscle spasms or stiffness
• Botox injections may be used to treat spasticity in the arms and legs.
• Other drugs to treat:
  • Fatigue
  • Depression
  • Pain
  • Bladder or bowel problems

Physical Therapies and Lifestyle Changes

Therapies and changes may include:

• Regular moderate exercise with your doctor's permission (Swimming is especially beneficial.)
• Physical therapy to help maintain muscle strength and tone, dexterity, and walking ability
• Massage
• High fiber diet to prevent Constipation
• Stress reduction techniques
• Quitting smoking -Smoking may worsen MS, possibly causing the condition to progress to a more severe form.

Psychological Therapies

Individual or group therapy will help you learn coping strategies for physical symptoms and emotional stress.

If you are diagnosed with MS, follow your doctor's instructions.