• Health Maintenance Tips
• Physical Therapy
• Support Groups and Counseling
• On-going Evaluations

There is currently no cure for multiple sclerosis. However, much has been done in researching medications to help reduce the severity of MS symptoms. There are some drugs that scientists have created to help reduce symptoms severity. These include:

• Copaxone
• Avonex
• Betaseron
• Novantrone

Talk to your doctor about these or other available drug treatments for MS.

While the natural human response to treating a disease is "okay, tell me what medication I need to take and how often I need to take it to fix this," there are many other ways to treat a life with MS to remain independent, comfortable, and productive including:

Overall Health Maintenace:

• Stay as active as possible
• Eat a nutritious diet
• Get adequate rest to feel good and keep resistance up

Physical Therapy

• Exercise programs and muscle retraining may help people with MS recover from acute attacks, and can relieve tightening in muscles. Also, sometimes braces or other therapeutic devices can help a person with MS be more self-reliant.

Support Groups and Counseling

• Individual and group therapy can help people with MS and their families cope with depression, anxieties, and limitations caused by MS. Contact the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to find a support group near you.

On-going Evaluations

• Because the course of MS is unpredictable, needs and disabilities change. Continuing medical supervision is essential.
• Also, keep in mind that not every medical problem someone with MS may experience is due to the MS. A doctor can determine if you are experiencing symptoms of MS or another illness that may require a different treatment.

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©Copyright, Children's Hope for Understanding Multiple Sclerosis, 2002