Managing the Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

The management of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the current millennium clearly has emphasized stabilization of the disease itself. The past decade has seen the common use of disease modifying therapies and the future is bright for more treatments that can alter the course of MS. However, from a very practical point of view, the management of the symptoms caused by the destructive process of MS remains of major importance. Symptom management can improve the quality of life so significantly that it can make the difference in a person being able to live in today’s society or not. There are many symptoms that occur regularly in MS. There are ways to manage those symptoms. This chapter discusses the medical management of MS symptomatology. Chapter 11 discusses in depth the rehabilitation of MS. It is essential to realize that managing symptoms and rehabilitation cannot stand alone. The proper management of MS symptoms involves medication and rehabilitation done simultaneously on an ongoing basis. When these occur together, symptom management in MS becomes real and alive!