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If you have Multiple Sclerosis (MS), there are serious problems to address. Your immune system is mistakenly attacking your myelin sheath - the coating that surrounds the nerves and nerve fibres in your brain. The standard treatment uses interferon beta (Avonex and Rebif, and Betaseron), glatiramer acetate (Copaxone), and mitoxantrone (Novantrone) to modify the immune system and so reduce the number and severity of attacks. But there is no long-term cure.
MS affects both the central and the peripheral nervous system. It therefore can produce a wide range of different symptoms. Treating them can make you feel more comfortable even though it will not stop the disease from developing. Some symptoms can be managed by changing your diet, and introducing more physical exercise and other changes of habit. Medications are available for each kind of symptom. Managing your condition involves deciding whether to treat any given symptom as needed or regularly, depending on how inconvenient or painful it is. The symptoms include:
