Treatment

For most people diagnosed with relapsing MS, their greatest fear is serious disability. Although a possibility, it is important to know that being diagnosed with relapsing MS does not necessarily mean you will become severely disabled.

Over time, MS disease activity leads to permanent nerve damage. This damage builds up and can eventually cause long-term disability in MS.

Not everyone experiences the same level of disease activity, so disability progresses at different rates for different people. Studies have shown that people who have more brain lesions and more relapses early on are likely to progress more quickly. But it is impossible for your healthcare provider to predict how quickly your MS will progress.

There is no cure yet for MS. But there are many treatments. Some only treat the symptoms of MS. Others are disease-modifying drugs, drugs proven to reduce disease activity and relapses — and even delay the progression of disability in relapsing MS in some cases. That's why many experts think it's important to start therapy as early as possible after diagnosis of relapsing MS. These drugs should be taken consistently and as directed by your healthcare provider.

You can learn more about specific treatments on the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Website.