Multiple Sclerosis Treatment

There is as yet no cure for Multiple Sclerosis. Many patients do well with no therapy at all, especially since many medications have serious side effects and some carry significant risks. Naturally occurring or spontaneous remissions make it difficult to determine therapeutic effects of experimental Multiple sclerosis treatment; however, the emerging evidence that MRIs can chart the development of lesions is already helping scientists evaluate new Multiple sclerosis treatments.

In the past, the principal medications physicians used for Multiple Sclerosis treatment were steroids possessing anti-inflammatory properties; these include adrenocorticotropic hormone (better known as ACTH), prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, betamethasone, and dexamethasone. Studies suggest that intravenous methylprednisolone may be superior to the more traditional intravenous ACTH for patients experiencing acute relapses; no strong evidence exists to support the use of these drugs to treat progressive forms of Multiple Sclerosis. Also, there is some indication that steroids may be more appropriate for people with movement, rather than sensory, Multiple sclerosis symptoms.

While steroids do not affect the course of Multiple Sclerosis over time, they can reduce the duration and severity of Multiple sclerosis attacks in some patients. The mechanism behind this effect is not known; one study suggests the medications work by restoring the effectiveness of the blood/brain barrier. Because steroids can produce numerous adverse side effects (acne, weight gain, seizures, psychosis), they are not recommended for long-term use.

One of the most promising Multiple Sclerosis treatment research areas involves naturally occurring antiviral proteins known as interferons. Three forms of beta interferon (Avonex, Betaseron, and Rebif) have now been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis. Beta interferon has been shown to reduce the number of exacerbations and may slow the progression of physical disability. When Multiple sclerosis attacks do occur, they tend to be shorter and less severe. In addition, MRI scans suggest that beta interferon can decrease myelin destruction.

Investigators speculate that the effects of beta interferon may be due to the drug's ability to correct an Multiple Sclerosis related deficiency of certain white blood cells that suppress the immune system and/or its ability to inhibit gamma interferon, a substance believed to be involved in Multiple Sclerosis attacks. Alpha interferon is also being studied as a possible treatment for Multiple Sclerosis. Common side effects of interferons include fever, chills, sweating, muscle aches, fatigue, depression, and injection site reactions.

Scientists continue their extensive efforts to create new and better treatment for Multiple Sclerosis. Goals of Multiple Sclerosis treatment are threefold: to improve recovery from Multiple Sclerosis attacks, to prevent or lessen the number of relapses, and to halt Multiple Sclerosis progression.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke