An Overview of MS Treatments
At this time, there is no cure for
MS. However, researchers continue to make great advancements in the understanding and treatment of this disease.
Specific treatments can include:
- Medications
- Physical or occupational therapy
- Emotional support.
Medications Used to Treat MS
There are three basic goals when using medications for the treatment of
multiple sclerosis:
- Manage the exacerbations or relapses of MS, which are the attacks where new symptoms appear or the old symptoms get worse
- Modify the disease itself
- Manage the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
Managing Exacerbations
While steroids do not affect the course of MS over time, they can reduce the duration and severity of attacks in some patients.
Modifying Multiple Sclerosis
Four forms of beta interferon (
Avonex®,
Betaseron®,
Extavia®, and
Rebif®) have now been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of relapsing-remitting MS. Beta interferon has been shown to reduce the number of exacerbations, and may slow the progression of physical disability. When attacks do occur, they tend to be shorter and less severe.
The FDA also has approved a synthetic form of myelin basic protein, called copolymer I (
Copaxone®), for the treatment of relapsing-remitting MS. Copolymer I has few side effects, and studies indicate that the agent can reduce the relapse rate by almost one-third.
