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Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a long-term disease that attacks the central nervous system and impacts the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. As the nerve fibers deteriorate, MS causes communication problems between your brain and the rest of your body. While not curable, certain strategies can help modify or slow the disease course or improve function and safety.

Treating MS involves the expertise of different healthcare professionals, with the neurologist as the leader of this team.
• Overall Health. Neurologic care is only part of the overall health needs for those with MS. It is important to schedule regular visits with a primary care physician and age-appropriate screening tests. Like the general population, people with MS are subject to medical problems that have nothing to do with the disease.
• Medications. There are more than 12 disease-modifying medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat relapsing forms of MS. They reduce the frequency and severity of relapses (also called attacks or exacerbations), reduce lesions in the brain and spinal cord and may slow the disability for many people with MS.
• Rehabilitation. Cognitive, vocational, physical, occupational and speech therapies are important components of MS treatment at all stages of the disease. The focus is maintaining performance and safety at home and work. Rehabilitation professionals are dedicated to overall fitness and energy management while addressing accessibility and mobility, speech and swallowing, memory and other cognitive functions.
• Emotional Support. Mental health professionals offer support and education, treat depression, anxiety and other mood changes that are common in people with MS. Neuropsychologists assess and treat cognitive problems.