MS Treatment: An Overview
There is no known cure for
multiple sclerosis (
MS), but there are many types of MS treatment options available. For example:
- Medications
- Physical or occupational therapy
- Emotional support.
These treatments don't make MS disappear, but they can help to manage the symptoms and control the progression of the disease.
MS treatment goals fall into three basic categories:
- Manage the exacerbations or relapses of MS, which are the attacks where new symptoms appear or old symptoms get worse
- Modify the disease itself
- Manage the MS symptoms.
Medications as an MS Treatment
There are several medications available as part of a
multiple sclerosis treatment plan. The different categories of medication are as follows.
Medications to Manage Exacerbations
MS exacerbations (flare-ups) are usually accompanied by inflammation and breakdown of the myelin in the central nervous system. If your symptoms are severe, high doses of steroids, such as Solu-Medrol®, may be given through an IV to reduce the swelling and inflammation that contribute to demyelination.