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Treatment of the more progressive forms of MS

Treatment of the more progressive forms of MS

The underlying cause of the growing disability seen in more progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) is still uncertain. It is thought that the long-term damage to the nerves themselves rather than to the myelin sheaths that surround them is the primary basis of the disease progression.

Unfortunately, most of the treatments currently available for MS concentrate on treating the inflammation that leads to demyelination, and not on repairing the damaged nerves, so they may not be suitable for people with more progressive MS.

For more information on the different types of MS discussed here, please visit Types of MS.

Secondary progressive MS

Clinical studies that have investigated the use of beta interferon drugs in secondary progressive MS (SPMS) have so far produced conflicting results. The disease-modifying drugs Extavia and Betaferon are used in some patients with SPMS who have active disease and are experiencing relapses. Click on the drug names to find out more about how they work and when they are used.

Primary progressive MS

There is currently no treatment for people who have primary progressive MS. Studies investigating the processes that cause this form of the condition may help provide drugs in the future.