Multiple Sclerosis: MS Treatment, Medications and Therapy

Typical MS treatment targets recovery from attacks, reducing symptoms, and slowing the progression. Sometimes, no MS treatment is needed. However, one cure doesn’t exist yet.

There are several treatments for MS attacks

• Corticosteroids like oral prednisone and intravenous methylprednisolone are proved to be effective in lowering nerve inflammation. There are several possible side effects: insomnia, increased blood pressure, increased blood glucose levels, mood swings, and fluid retention.

• Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis multiple sclerosis) is a typical treatment for new severe symptoms that haven’t responded to steroids. During the procedure plasma, the liquid part of blood, is separated from blood cells, which are later mixed with a protein solution (album) and placed back in the patient’s body

There are several treatments for MS signs and symptoms

• Physical MS therapy combined with the use of mobility aid improves leg weakness and other gait issues associated with MS. The therapy consists of stretching and muscle strengthening exercises along with learning to manage devices that help perform daily tasks.

• Muscle relaxants such as baclofen (Lioresal, Gablofen), tizanidine (Zanaflex), and cyclobenzaprine decrease such symptoms as painful or uncontrollable muscle stiffness or spasms located in legs.

• Onabotulinumtoxin A MS treatment is prescribed to patients with spasticity.

• Fatigue-reducing multiple sclerosis medications like amantadine (Gocovri, Osmolex), modafinil (Provigil), and methylphenidate (Ritalin) are prescribed to some patients, but also some depression treating drugs, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, may be recommended.

• Dalfampridine (Ampyra) is a multiple sclerosis medication that increases walking speed in some patients. People with a history of seizures or kidney dysfunction should not take this medication.

• Other medications may be used to treat depression symptoms, pain, insomnia, bladder or bowel control issues, and sexual dysfunction. 

Click here to read more about treatment of the nervous system.