Read up on Multiple sclerosis treatment options at Consumer Reports Health.

Multiple sclerosis

Key points about treatments

If you have multiple sclerosis (MS), the nerves in your brain and spinal cord slowly lose their coating. Over time, they get damaged and may stop working properly. There isn't a cure for MS at this time. But you can get treatments to improve your symptoms, slow down the disease and help you keep living a full life.

Doctors can't say for sure what course your MS will take, so it's hard to know what treatments you'll need. A lot depends on which type of MS you have (for more, see Types of multiple sclerosis).

Key points about treating multiple sclerosis

If you're treated with immunoglobulin or interferon beta (brand names Avonex, Betaseron, Rebif) the first time you have symptoms, you may be less likely to have another bout of symptoms in the next few years.
Interferon beta may reduce how many relapses (flare-ups) you get and slow down the relapsing-remitting type of MS.
Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone) may also reduce relapses if you have relapsing-remitting MS.
Steroids, such as methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol), can help your symptoms during relapses.
If your MS is very active, treatment with mitoxantrone (Novantrone) plus methylprednisolone may reduce how many relapses you get.
Amantadine (brand name Symmetrel) may reduce your fatigue.

This information was last updated on Jul 25, 2008

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
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