Treatment Overview
There is currently no cure for multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis is a progressive disease. Treatment for multiple sclerosis is focused on managing symptoms and slowing progression of the disease.
Types of Treatments
Treatments for managing the symptoms of multiple sclerosis may include:
Plasmapheresis, also called plasma exchange, which separates plasma from blood cells, which is used to manage severe attacks
Medications used treat multiple sclerosis and slow disease progression may include:
Corticosteroids, such as prednisone and methylprednisolone, which reduce inflammation
Monoclonal Antibodies, such as alemtuzumab, natalizumab, and ocrelizumab, that help to prevent inflammation and nerve damage
Chemotherapy, such as cladribine, to prevent inflammation and nerve damage
Nrf2 activators, such as dimethyl fumarate and diroximel fumarate, to decrease inflammation and prevent nerve damage
Immunosuppressants, such as fingolimod, glatiramer acetate, siponimod, and teriflunomide, that target the body’s immune system, or the body’s natural defenses, to prevent attacks and slow progression of the disease
Other treatments
Other treatments to help slow the progression of multiple sclerosis may include:
- Physical therapy
- Muscle relaxants, such as baclofen, tizanidine, cyclobenzaprine, and botulin toxin A
- Medications to reduce fatigue, such as amantadine, modfafinil, and methylphenidate
- Medications to increase walking speed, such as dalfampridine
- Other medications to help ease insomnia, pain, bladder or bowel control problems, or sexual dysfunction
- Anti-seizure medications
Assistive devices
As the disease progresses, some individuals with multiple sclerosis may need the use of assistive devices, such as canes or crutches, or wheelchairs.
Lifestyle approaches and complementary medicine
Lifestyle approaches and complementary medicine that may help to improve symptoms of multiple sclerosis include:
- A healthy, high fiber, low fat diet
- Exercise, which may improve fatigue and walking ability
- Stress reduction to avoid worsening of symptoms
- Acupuncture, which may help to relieve pain and improve walking ability
Long-Term Follow Up
Ongoing, long-term follow-up is an essential part of treatment for patients with multiple sclerosis to help slow disease progression and monitor treatment effectiveness.
Sources
This content was written by the MediFind Medical Team. Last updated: 6/9/2022
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Approved Drugs
These are drugs that have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), meaning they have been determined to be safe and effective for use in Multiple Sclerosis (MS).