Symptoms are unpredictable varying from time-to-time and person-to-person. Symptoms are caused by the loss of myelin.
Four General Types of MS:
Relapsing-Remitting:
Characteristics:
--defined flare-ups (relapses, attacks, or exacerbations)
--partial or complete recovery periods free of diease progression
Frequency:
--most common form of MS; approximately 85%
Primary-Progressive:
Characteristics:
--slow but continuous worsening of disease from onset
--no distinct relapses or remissions
--variations in rates of progression, occasional plateaus and temporary minor improvements
Frenquency:
--relatively rare; approximately 10%
Secondary Progressive:
Characteristics:
--initial period of relapsing-remitting disease followed by steadily worsening of disease
--with or without occasional flare-ups, remissions, or plateaus
Frequency:
--50% of people with relapsing-remitting MS develop this form within 10 years
Progressive-Relapsing
Characteristics:
--steadily worsening of disease
--acute relapses (attacks or exacerbations) with or without recovery
--periods between relapses characterized by continuing disease progression
Frequency:
--relatively rare; approximately 5%
Treatments reduce the severity of the symptoms; however, they have no affect on the progression of MS
Drugs Used to Treat Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis:
Symptom |
Drug |
Spasticity |
Baclofen (Lioresal)
Tizanidine (Zanaflex)
Diazepam (Valium)
Clonazepam (Klonopin)
Dantrolene (Dantrium) |
Optic neuritis |
Methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol)
Oral steroids |
Fatigue |
Antidepressants
Amantadine (Symmetrel)
Pemoline (Cylert) |
Pain |
Aspirin or acetaminophen
Antidepressants
Codeine |
Trigeminal neuralgia |
Carbamazapine, other anticonvulsant |
Sexual dysfunction |
Papaverine injections(in men) |
from http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/multiple_sclerosis/detail_multiple_sclerosis.htm#34173215
The best treatment for MS would be directed towards preventing irreversible damage to myelin and nerve fibers.