Managing MS

A team approach benefits healthcare professionals and their patients, whether it occurs in an MS comprehensive care center or through active communication and collaboration among clinicians in the community.

New or significantly worsening neurological deficit (consistent with MS, lasts >24 hours, separated by >30 days from onset of last relapse, is not related to infection, fever or other stresses, and has no other explanation).

The medications that are currently available to treat MS appear to be most effective during the early, inflammatory phase of MS, becoming less potent as the disease transitions to a more neurodegenerative process.

Disease-management therapies reduce disease activity and slow progression for many people, but it is the ongoing management of symptoms that allows people to function in their daily lives with optimal comfort, safety, participation and quality of life.

Many people with MS have concerns about the safety of routine vaccinations. Some, but not all, immunizations have been evaluated for safety and efficacy in people with MS.

More than half of people with MS require some form of assistance with daily activities, most of which is provided by informal caregivers. When needs exceed the resources of the family, long-term support services are necessary.

Approximately 3-5% of all individuals with MS experience disease onset before age 16.