Treatment:

There is no known cure for multiple sclerosis at this time. However, there are therapies that may slow the disease. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms and help you maintain a normal quality of life.

Medications used to slow the progression of multiple sclerosis may include:

• Immune modulators to help control the immune system, including interferons (Avonex, Betaseron, or Rebif), monoclonal antibodies (Tysabri), glatiramer acetate (Copaxone), mitoxantrone (Novantrone), methotrexate, azathioprine (Imuran), cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), and natalizumab (Tysabri)
• Steroids may be used to decrease the severity of attacks

Medications to control symptoms may include:

• Medicines to reduce muscle spasms such as Lioresal (Baclofen), tizanidine (Zanaflex), or a benzodiazepine
• Cholinergic medications to reduce urinary problems
• Antidepressants for mood or behavior symptoms
• Amantadine for fatigue

The following may help MS patients:

• Physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and support groups
• Assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, bed lifts, shower chairs, walkers, and wall bars
• A planned exercise program early in the course of the disorder
• A healthy lifestyle, with good nutrition and enough rest and relaxation
• Avoiding fatigue, stress, temperature extremes, and illness

Support Groups:

For additional information, see multiple sclerosis resources.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome varies, and is unpredictable. Although the disorder is chronic and incurable, life expectancy can be normal or almost normal. Most people with MS continue to walk and function at work with minimal disability for 20 or more years.

The following typically have the best outlook:

• Females
• People who were young (less than 30 years) when the disease started
• People with infrequent attacks
• People with a relapsing-remitting pattern
• People who have limited disease on imaging studies

The amount of disability and discomfort depends on:

• How often you have attacks
• How severe they are
• The part of the central nervous system that is affected by each attack

Most people return to normal or near-normal function between attacks. As the disorder gets worse, there is greater loss of function with less improvement between attacks.

Complications:

• Depression
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty thinking
• Less and less ability to care for self
• Need for indwelling catheter
• Osteoporosis or thinning of the bones
• Pressure sores
• Side effects of medications used to treat the disorder
• Urinary tract infections

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if:

• You develop any symptoms of MS
• Symptoms get worse, even with treatment
• The condition deteriorates to the point where home care is no longer possible