Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects approximately 400,000 people in the United States. Caused by damage to the myelin sheath the protective coating of the nerves in the brain MS is marked by an array of symptoms, including muscle spasms, loss of vision and difficulty moving arms and legs.

While there is no cure for MS, there are various treatments available for those suffering from the disease. Dr. Michael Devereaux, a neurologist for University Hospitals Case Medical Center, spoke with FoxNews.com about the many options for MS patients looking for symptom relief. According to him, there are two main goals when it comes to treating MS.

One is treating the acute attacks, Devereaux said. And then, what youre really interested in even more is reducing the frequency of attacks and reducing overall disability over time. Thats been a harder to question to answer from studies and the like, because all the drugs are promoting the idea that they can reduce frequency and overall disability, but theres been some debate about that.

Modifying the disease

During MS, white blood cells, called T-cells, become activated and cross the blood-brain barrier into the brain. While there, they cause an inflammatory response, ultimately damaging the myelin sheath and destroying the axons of the nerves.

Various drugs, called immunologeratory agents, have been developed to dampen the inflammatory response for those with relapsing-remitting MS. The main injectable drugs include beta interferons (Avonex, Betaseron, Extavia), glatiramer acetate (Copaxone), and the somewhat controversial drug, natalizumab (Tysabri)

Tysabri has been in the news a lot because it led to breakouts of another condition progressive multifocal encephalopathy (PML), Devereaux said. Its a very small percentage of cases. Its often given to people not doing well. Its highly effective, but it has this significant, but small, real risk.

The last agent is an oral agent called fingolimod (Gilenya), and is the most convenient for patients, according to Devereaux.

Treating MS attacks

MS is marked by periods of remission, alternating with periods of mild to severe exacerbations. While the agents are used to prevent these flare-ups, there are also treatment options for when exacerbations do occur. The main treatment is to give patients a high dose of glucocorticosteroids

Read more here:
Current treatment options for multiple sclerosis

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