MS: Treatment
With MS, early treatment is key to preventing further disability. Research and trials continue to search for new therapies. To get the most from your treatment, ask your doctor:

• What are the side effects and effectiveness of each therapy?
• How will the therapy fit your lifestyle?
• How often are injections/medications needed?

Currently, medical science knows the most about treating relapsing MS, which can be broken down into three approaches:

• treatment for the underlying course of the disease
• treatment of exacerbations
• treatment of specific symptoms

Treating the underlying course - MS can be treated with injections of proteins (Interferon beta 1a or beta 1b, or Glatiramer Acetate) that slow down inflammatory activity. This regulates immune response and reduces the frequency of relapses. Studies have shown that interferon beta 1a slows the progression of disability. Side effects can include uncomfortable injection site reactions or general flu-like (shivering, muscle pain) reactions.

Treating exacerbations - Corticosteroids combat inflammation and shorten the duration and intensity of MS exacerbations. They do not have any effect on the number of relapses or on the progression of MS. Corticosteroids are usually administered by infusion or drip, and tend to be more effective on symptoms involving loss of muscle strength and vision than on sense of touch or balance.

Treating more progressive forms of MS
For people with secondary progressive MS (relapses with periods of recovery), treatment with immunomodulatory agents may be appropriate.

There are fewer options for treating progressive MS with no periods of recovery. The effects of interferon beta, methylprednisolone (a corticosteroid), and chemotherapeutic medications are currently being studied.