Fact 12: No Known Cure but Treatments can Manage Symptoms
As of now, there is no known cure for multiple sclerosis. But that doesn’t mean there’s no hope for people with MS. Tremendous advances in research have led to an increasing number of treatments that can help manage symptoms, reduce relapses, and slow disease progression.
Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) are a group of medications designed to reduce the frequency and severity of relapses and delay the progression of disability. DMTs act on the immune system to reduce the inflammation and nerve damage that characterize MS.
Alongside DMTs, symptomatic treatments play a vital role in managing MS. These treatments don’t alter the course of the disease, but they can greatly improve quality of life by addressing specific symptoms, from muscle spasticity to bladder problems.
Rehabilitation therapies, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, are a crucial part of MS management. They help people with MS maintain and improve their physical abilities, manage everyday tasks, and address speech and swallowing difficulties.
Even as we continue to rely on existing treatments, research is pushing the boundaries of our understanding of MS and potential ways to treat it. From stem cell therapy to novel immunotherapies, the future of MS treatment holds much promise. (12)
