In this Article

• What is multiple sclerosis?
• What causes multiple sclerosis?
• Is multiple sclerosis inherited?
• What are the types of multiple sclerosis?
• What are the symptoms of multiple sclerosis?
• How is multiple sclerosis diagnosed?
• How is multiple sclerosis treated?
• Interferon
• Other medications
• How are the manifestations of multiple sclerosis treated?
• What are the future directions for managing multiple sclerosis?
• Multiple Sclerosis At A Glance
• Patient Discussions: Multiple Sclerosis - Symptoms at Onset of Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis Glossary
• Multiple Sclerosis Index

What are the future directions for managing multiple sclerosis?

There is a great deal of ongoing research in multiple sclerosis, and there continues to be a focus on the immune system in investigational therapies. In addition, scientists are trying to develop techniques that allow brain cells to generate new myelin or that prevent neuronal death. Other promising approaches include the use of precursor (neuronal stem or progenitor) cells that could be implanted into the brain or spinal cord to repopulate areas of missing cells. Future therapy may involve methods designed to improve impulses traveling over the damaged nerves. Scientists also are exploring the effects of diet on multiple sclerosis.

Multiple Sclerosis At A Glance

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease which progressively injures the nerves of the brain and spinal cord.
  
  
• Injury to the nerves in multiple sclerosis may be reflected by alterations of virtually any sensory or motor (muscular) function in the body.
  
  
• The cause of multiple sclerosis is unknown, but it has become widely accepted that genetic, immunological, and environmental factors play a role.
  
  
• Current FDA-approved multiple sclerosis treatments include the beta-interferons (Betaseron®, Rebif® and Avonex®), glatiramer acetate (Copaxone®), mitoxantrone (Novantrone®) and natalizumab (Tysabri®). The selection of therapy should be made after the multiple sclerosis patient has been properly informed of drug efficacy, administration routes, risks of adverse events, and methods to enhance tolerability and compliance.

Multiple Sclerosis - Symptoms at Onset of Disease

The MedicineNet physician editors ask:

The symptoms of multiple sclerosis can vary greatly from patient to patient. What were your symptoms at the onset of your disease?

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Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• interferon - Describes the medication interferon (Roferon-A, Intron-A, Rebetron, Alferon-N, Peg-Intron, Avonex, Betaseron, Infergen, Actimmune, Pegasys), a drug used in managing many diseases that involve the immune system.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan) - Medical information on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) used in detecting structural abnormalities of the body. Learn uses, risks, and how to prepare for an MRI scan
• Muscle Spasms - Read about muscle spasms, their causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Symptoms and signs include acute pain at the site of the muscle contractions (twitches or fasciculations).

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