Treating MS

There is currently no cure for Multiple Sclerosis. But much can be done to help people who have it remain independent, comfortable and productive.

Overall Health Maintenance

Like everyone else, people with MS need to stay active, eat a nutritious diet, and get adequate rest to feel good and keep resistance up.

Prompt treatment of infections is very important - especially respiratory and urinary tract ailments.

Physiotherapy

Exercise programmes and muscle retraining can help patients recover from acute attacks, and can relieve tightening in muscles.

Walking aids or other devices help many people with MS to be more self-reliant.

Psychotherapy and Counselling

Individual and group therapy can help people with MS, and their families, cope with depression, anxiety and limitations caused by MS.

(Periods of remission, with the uncertainty about how long improvement will last, may make adjustment to this disease particularly difficult.)

Medication

Drugs can sometimes relieve specific symptoms. For example, muscle relaxers may relieve spasms.

Some other drugs, such as anti-inflammatory steroids, help reduce severity and duration of acute attacks.

Newly developed treatments (Beta Interferon, Copaxone) given by injection help to prevent relapses, but have a less certain effect on progressive disability. Their expense has limited availability in New Zealand.

Two MS drugs are fully subsidised in New Zealand:

Maker: Schering AG (Europe) and Berlex (US)
Drug: Betaferon, known as Betaseron in the US (Interferon Beta 1b)
Help: MS Info Centre
Maker: Biogen Inc
Drug: Avonex (Interferon Beta 1a)

On-going Re-evaluation

The course of MS is unpredictable. Needs and disabilities change. Continuing medical supervision is essential.

Not all medical problems are due to MS. A doctor can determine if they are symptoms of another illness that requires treatment.

For information on managing MS, please see Living with MS.

Quick Facts About MS

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