There is currently no cure for MS but there are a number of treatments for Multiple Sclerosis that can help. This may include disease-modifying drugs, steroid injections and physiotherapy. These can help relieve symptoms and make day-to-day living easier.
Treatment for MS depends on the specific symptoms and difficulties the person has. According to the NHS, there are various treatment options available.
Treating relapses of MS symptoms Treatment for a relapse usually involves a 5-day course of steroid tablets taken at home or injections of steroid medicine given in hospital for 3 to 5 days. Steroids are only given for a short period of time due to potential side effects.
The treating of specific MS symptoms is also an option. Fatigue, mobility issues, visual problems or pain can all be managed through the use of trained professionals, therapies and medications.
In addition, there are treatments to reduce the number of relapses which are known as disease-modifying therapies. Disease-modifying therapies are not suitable for everyone with MS so are only offered to those with relapsing-remitting MS or secondary progressive MS. There are certain criteria that need to be fulfilled, such as the number of relapses they have had.
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease affecting nerves in the brain and spinal cord. It causes problems with muscle movement, balance and vision. Each nerve fibre in the brain and spinal cord is surrounded by a layer of myelin. This protects the nerve and helps electrical signals travel fast and effectively. In MS, the myelin becomes damaged, MS is a demyelinating inflammatory disorder.
A clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) is an episode of inflammation in the brain or spinal cord which has not clearly been caused by a new problem. The commonest cause of a clinically isolated syndrome is a demyelinating process. The commonest cause of demyelination is multiple sclerosis (MS). However, having a single “attack” or CIS does not mean that you have MS.
More information about CIS and the links to Multiple Sclerosis can be found here.
The MS Society provides a wealth of information on its website which will answer many of your questions.
When you seek treatments for multiple sclerosis, you will be supported by a team of different healthcare professionals working together. This team will often include a neurologist, a physiotherapist, a speech and language therapist, as well as other highly trained experts.
Contact Dr Paviour
Dr Paviour is a Consultant Neurologist in Central and South West London. He has a specialist interest in Parkinson’s disease and other Movement Disorders. He is the clinical lead for Movement Disorders at the Atkinson Morley Regional Neurosciences Centre.
Patients are welcome to his clinics so you can discuss treatments for Multiple Sclerosis. Simply phone 020 7042 1850 or send a message via our contact us page.
