Treating MS Can MS be treated? Which drugs can be used to treat the most common symptoms? What are currently the most promising drugs used in MS? Can MS be treated? There is currently no cure for MS. However, in large controlled clinical trials, interferon beta-1a and 1b have been shown to reduce the number of relapses, decrease their severity and increase the proportion of patients who remain relapse-free in a given period of time. Data from these trials also indicate that treatment with interferon beta-1a can reduce the progression in disability and dramatically reduce the area / volume of brain affected by the disease as evidenced by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The main objective in treating patients with MS is to reduce relapses, delay the onset of disability and thereby preserve quality of life. Reducing the underlying inflammation and myelin destruction is one approach that is helpful in slowing the course of the disease. Another approach, often used in tandem with the first approach, is to alleviate and control the various physical and emotional symptoms of MS with a variety of drugs in addition to physical and psychological therapy. Which drugs can be used to treat MS? A wide variety of drugs are used to treat the various symptoms of MS, which can vary greatly from one patient to the next. 1. Disease modifying drugs (DMD) are currently the most promising drugs used in MS Large controlled clinical trials have shown that interferon beta-1a is able to reduce the number of relapses, decrease their severity and increase the proportion of patients who remain relapse-free in a given time period. Data from these trials also indicate that treatment with interferon beta-1a can reduce the progression in disability and dramatically reduce the area / volume of brain affected by the disease as evidenced by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Research suggests that the effects of interferon beta may be due to the drug's ability to correct a deficiency of certain white blood cells that suppress the immune system or inhibit interferon gamma, a substance thought to be involved in mediating MS relapses or exacerbation. 2. Symptomatic drugs These drugs are used to relieve or treat some of the common symptoms of MS: Relapses Fatigue Spasticity Urinary dysfunction Pain Depression Relapses Relapses are the appearance of new symptoms or the aggravation of old ones, lasting at least twenty-four hours (synonymous with attack, exacerbation, flare-up, or worsening); Intravenous steroids, such as methylprednisolone, followed by treatment with oral steroids can accelerate recovery. Fatigue Fatigue is the most common symptom of MS. Chronic and severe fatigue often have profound effects on the overall level of functioning of the affected patient. Moderate exercise, naps during the day, and cool showers may help to re-invigorate the patient. The antiviral drug Amantadine has been shown to be effective in treating the overwhelming exhaustion that frequently accompanies MS. Pemoline, a stimulant of the central nervous system (CNS), has also been proven effective. Fatigue Fatigue is the most common symptom of MS. Chronic and severe fatigue often have profound effects on the overall level of functioning of the affected patient. Moderate exercise, naps during the day, and cool showers may help to re-invigorate the patient. The antiviral drug Amantadine has been shown to be effective in treating the overwhelming exhaustion that frequently accompanies MS. Pemoline, a stimulant of the central nervous system (CNS), has also been proven effective. Spasticity Spasticity usually affects the lower limbs and occurs as either a constant stiffness or spasms that come and go. It can be quite painful. Physical therapy in combination with antispastic medications, such as Baclofen can be effective in treating patients with spasticity. Diazepam -- either alone or in combination with Baclofen-- can also be helpful in controlling spasticity at night. Urinary dysfunction Many MS patients complain of urgency, increased frequency of urination, and incontinence. Commonly used medications to treat urinary dysfunction include the anticholinergic drugs Oxybutynin and Propantheline. In patients who retain a large volume of urine, insertion of a catheter in the urethra several times a day may be necessary to empty the bladder. Pain People with MS can experience several different types of pain. Muscle and back pain can be treated with common pain relievers such as aspirin or acetaminophen. Acute pain, which occurs as either a sharp stabbing pain in the face (trigeminal neuralgia), head, back, or extremities, usually responds to anticonvulsant medication and sometimes corticosteroids. Chronic pain, prickling "pins and needles," and burning sensations are more difficult to treat. Antidepressants, such as Amitriptyline, have been prescribed with varying degrees of success. Depression Depression is quite common among MS patients. The suicide rate among MS patients is 7 times higher than in the general population. Treatment for depression may include a combination of medication and counseling.