Medicine:Management of multiple sclerosis

From HandWiki
Short description: Approaches to managing the disease

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS). Several therapies for it exist, although there is no known cure.

The most common initial course of the disease is the relapsing-remitting subtype, which is characterized by unpredictable attacks (relapses) followed by periods of relative remission with no new signs of disease activity. After some years, many of the people who have this subtype begin to experience neurologic decline without acute relapses. When this happens it is called secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. Other, less common, courses of the disease are the primary progressive (decline from the beginning without attacks) and the progressive-relapsing (steady neurologic decline and superimposed attacks). Different therapies are used for patients experiencing acute attacks, for patients who have the relapsing-remitting subtype, for patients who have the progressive subtypes, for patients without a diagnosis of MS who have a demyelinating event, and for managing the various consequences of MS.

The primary aims of therapy are returning function after an attack, preventing new attacks, and preventing disability. As with any medical treatment, medications used in the management of MS may have several adverse effects, and many possible therapies are still under investigation. At the same time different alternative treatments are pursued by many people, despite the fact that there is little supporting, comparable, replicated scientific study. Stem cell therapy is being studied.

This article focuses on therapies for standard MS; borderline forms of MS have particular treatments that are excluded.

Acute attacks

Chemical structure of methylprednisolone. Corticosteroids are used during acute multiple sclerosis relapses.

Administration of high doses of intravenous corticosteroids, such as methylprednisolone, is the routine therapy for acute relapses. This is administered over a period of three to five days, and has a well-established efficacy in promoting a faster recovery from disability after an attack.[1][2][3] There is however insufficient evidence to indicate any significant impact on long-term disability of corticosteroid treatments.[3][4] Steroids administered orally have a similar effectiveness and safety profile at treating MS symptoms as intravenous treatment.[5] Consequences of severe attacks which do not respond to corticosteroids might be treated by plasmapheresis.[6][7]

High dosage intravenous corticosteroids or plasmapheresis, designated for individuals not responding to steroids, make up the majority of acute management; Symptomatic management: Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience a range of symptoms, such as cognitive decline, discomfort, exhaustion, urinary problems, and stiffness. Both pharmaceutical and non-pharmacological approaches are used to address these symptoms. The management of MS symptoms requires a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach from patients; illness-modifying therapies (DMTs): These medications act as moderators of illness, lowering the risk of relapses and slowing the disease's course.[8]

Disease-modifying treatments

Disease-modifying treatments are expensive and most require frequent (up-to-daily) injections, under the skin or into the muscle. Newer treatments feature intravenous (IV) infusions (shown above) at 1 to 3-month intervals.

(As of 2020),[9] several disease-modifying treatments have been approved by regulatory agencies of different countries, including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) of the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

Medications approved by the FDA include: interferons beta-1a and beta-1b;[10] monoclonal antibodies: natalizumab,[11] alemtuzumab,[12] ocrelizumab,[13] ofatumumab, and ublituximab; and immunomodulators: glatiramer acetate, mitoxantrone, fingolimod,[14] teriflunomide,[6][15][16] dimethyl fumarate,[17][18][19] and diroximel fumarate.[20] Siponimod was approved in March 2019.[21][22] Cladribine was approved in March 2019.[22] Ozanimod was approved in March 2020.[9]

Daclizumab, that was once approved,[23] was later withdrawn.[24]

Medications

In 1993, interferon beta-1b was the first drug to ever be approved for MS, being soon followed by interferon beta-1a and glatiramer acetate.[25]

Interferon beta-1a is injected either weekly (intramuscular injection) or three times a week (subcutaneous injection) depending on commercial formulations,[26][27] while interferon beta-1b is injected subcutaneously every second day.[28] In 2014, a pegylated form of interferon beta-1a was introduced with the brand name Plegridy, which is available as a subcutaneous injection.[29] This peginterferon beta 1-a attaches polyethylene glycol to the interferon molecules allowing longer lasting biological effects in the body while decreasing the frequency of administration to once every two weeks.[30] Interferon beta balances the expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory agents in the brain, and reduces the number of inflammatory cells that cross the blood–brain barrier.[31] Overall, therapy with interferon beta leads to a reduction of neuron inflammation.[31] Moreover, it is also thought to increase the production of nerve growth factor and consequently improve neuronal survival.[31]

Glatiramer acetate is a mixture of random polymers of four amino acids which is antigenically similar to the myelin basic protein, a component of the myelin sheath of nerves with which it competes for presentation to T cells . It is injected subcutaneously on a daily basis.[32][33][34]

Mitoxantrone is an immunosuppressant also used in cancer chemotherapy which was approved for MS in the year 2000;[35] whereas natalizumab is a monoclonal antibody that was initially approved in 2004.[36] Both are given by intravenous infusion at monthly intervals in the case of natalizumab and every three months in the case of mitoxantrone.[35][37][36]

In 2010, fingolimod, a sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulator, became the first oral drug approved by the FDA, being followed in 2012 by teriflunomide, a drug that inhibits the synthesis of pyrimidine and disrupts the interaction of T cells with antigen presenting cell.[14][15][38][39] Fingolimod and teriflunomide are taken through a daily single dose.[16][40] In 2013 one further oral drug, dimethyl fumarate -or BG12- (which is an improved version of fumaric acid, an already existing drug), was approved by the FDA.

Another oral drug, cladribine, was approved in Russia and Australia in 2010. Its application was rejected by the FDA and EMEA in 2011, due to safety concerns. This led the pharmaceutical to discontinue commercialization and withdraw all marketing applications.[41]

In March 2017, ocrelizumab was approved in the United States for the treatment of primary progressive multiple sclerosis in adults.[13][42][22][43][44] It is also used in adults for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease.[42] Ocrelizumab was approved for use in the European Union in January 2018.[45]

In 2019, siponimod and cladribine were approved in the United States for the treatment of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.[22][46][47][48][49] Siponimod was approved for use in the European Union in January 2020, for the treatment of adults with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.[50] Cladribine was approved for use in the European Union in August 2017, for the treatment of adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.[51]

In October 2019, diroximel fumarate (Vumerity) was approved for medical use in the United States.[20]

In March 2020, ozanimod (Zeposia) was approved in the United States for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis, to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in adults.[9][52][53][54]

In April 2020, monomethyl fumarate (Bafiertam) was approved in the United States for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in adults.[55]

Ponesimod (Ponvory) was approved for medical use in the United States in March 2021.[56]

Ublituximab (Briumvi) was approved for medical use in the United States in December 2022.[57]

Side effects

Injectable medications can produce irritation or bruises at injection site. The bruise depicted was produced by a subcutaneous injection.
Irritation zone after injection of glatiramer acetate.

Both the interferons and glatiramer acetate are available only in injectable forms, and both can cause skin reactions at the injection site, specially with subcutaneous administration.[10][58][59] Skin reactions vary greatly in their clinical presentation and may include bruising, erythema, pain, pruritus, irritation, swelling and in the most extreme cases cutaneous necrosis.[58][59] They usually appear within the first month of treatment albeit their frequence and importance diminish after six months of use.[58] Mild skin reactions usually do not impede treatment whereas necroses appear in around 5% of patients and lead to the discontinuation of the therapy.[58] Also over time, a visible dent at the injection site due to the local destruction of fat tissue, known as lipoatrophy, may develop.[58]

Interferons, a subclass of cytokines, are produced in the body during illnesses such as influenza in order to help fight the infection. They are responsible of many of the symptoms of influenza infections, including fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and headaches.[60] Many patients report influenza-like symptoms hours after taking interferon-beta that usually improve within 24 hours, being such symptoms related to the temporary increase of cytokines.[6][58] This reaction tends to disappear after 3 months of treatment and its symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, that reduce fever and pain.[58] Another common transient secondary effect with interferon-beta is a functional deterioration of already existing symptoms of the disease.[58] Such deterioration is similar to the one produced in MS patients due to heat, fever or stress (Uhthoff's phenomenon), usually appears within 24 hours of treatment, is more common in the initial months of treatment, and may last several days.[58] A symptom specially sensitive to worsening is spasticity.[58] Interferon-beta can also reduce numbers of white blood cells (leukopenia), lymphocytes (lymphopenia) and neutrophils (neutropenia), as well as affect liver function.[58] In most cases these effects are non-dangerous and reversible after cessation or reduction of treatment.[58] Nevertheless, recommendation is that all patients should be monitored through laboratory blood analyses, including liver function tests, to ensure safe use of interferons.[58]

Glatiramer acetate is generally well tolerated.[59] The most common secondary effect with glatiramer acetate after skin problem is a post-injection reaction manifested by flushing, chest tightness, heart palpitations, breathlessness, and anxiety, which usually lasts less than thirty minutes and does not require additional treatment.[59][61]

Mitoxantrone therapy may be associated with immunosuppressive effects and liver damage; however its most dangerous side effect is its dose-related cardiac toxicity. Careful adherence to the administration and monitoring guidelines is therefore essential; this includes obtaining an echocardiogram and a complete blood count before treatment to decide whether the therapy is suitable for the patient or the risks are too great. It is recommended that mitoxantrone be discontinued at the first signs of heart damage, infection or liver dysfunction during therapy.[62] Heart problems (mainly systolic dysfunction) appear in over 10% of patients, while leukemia prevalence is 0.8%.[35]

Soon after its approval natalizumab was withdrawn from the market by its manufacturer after it was linked with three cases of the rare but hazardous neurological condition called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).[36] PML is an opportunistic infection with neurological progressive symptoms caused by the replication of the JC virus in the glial cells of the brain.[36] All 3 initial cases were taking natalizumab in combination with interferon beta-1a. After a safety review the drug was returned to the market in 2006 as a monotherapy for MS under a special prescription program.[36] As of May 2011, over 130 cases of PML had been reported, all in patients who had taken natalizumab for more than a year.[36] While none of them had taken the drug in combination with other disease-modifying treatments, previous use of MS treatments increases the risk of PML between 3 and 4-fold.[36] The estimated prevalence of PML is 1.5 cases per thousand natalizumab users.[36] Around 20% of MS patients with PML die, while most of the remaining are importantly disabled.[36]

During clinical trials fingolimod gave rise to side effects such as hypertension and bradycardia, macular edema, elevated liver enzymes or reduction in lymphocyte levels.[39][14] Teriflunomide is considered a very safe drug. Nevertheless, there have been reports of liver failure, and PML.[39] Teriflunomide is also known to be dangerous for fetal development.[39] Most common secondary effects of dimethyl fumarate during clinical trials were flushing and gastrointestinal problems.[17][18][19][39] These problems were generally mild and occurred more frequently during the first month of treatment.[18][19][39] While dimethyl fumarate leads to a reduction in white blood cell count and levels should be monitored in patients, there were no reported cases of opportunistic infections during the clinical trials.[18][19] Moreover, fumaric acid is also used to treat psoriasis, another autoinmune disorder, and there is long term safety data from over 14 years of use without any indication of further dangerous secondary effects.[39] In a disproportionality analysis based on real-world adverse event reports (FAERS), none of the FDA approved DMTs was associated higher risk of cancer-related reported outcomes.[63]

Clinically isolated syndrome

The earliest clinical presentation of RRMS is the clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), that is, a single attack of a single symptom. During a CIS, there is a subacute attack suggestive of demyelination but the patient does not fulfill the criteria for diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.[64] Early treatment can reduce the hazard of conversion to from a first attack to clinically definite multiple sclerosis.[6][65][66][67] However, it is difficult to make firm conclusions about the best treatment, especially regarding the long‐term benefit and safety of early treatment, given the lack of studies directly comparing disease modifying therapies or long-term monitoring of patient outcomes.[67]

Relapsing-remitting MS

Medications are modestly effective at decreasing the number of attacks in RRMS and in reducing the accumulation of brain lesions, which is measured using gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).[6] Interferons and glatiramer acetate are roughly equivalent, reducing relapses by approximately 30% and their safe profile make them the first-line treatments.[6][10] Nevertheless, not all the patients are responsive to these therapies. It is known that 30% of MS patients are non-responsive to Beta interferon.[68] One of the factors related to non-respondance is the presence of high levels of interferon beta neutralizing antibodies. Interferon therapy, and specially interferon beta-1b, induces the production of neutralizing antibodies, usually in the second 6 months of treatment, in 5 to 30% of treated patients.[6][69] Moreover, a subset of RRMS patients with specially active MS, sometimes called "rapidly worsening MS" are normally non-responders to immunomodulators and are treated with either mitoxantrone or natalizumab.[70]

Natalizumab is considered highly effective in terms of relapse rate reduction and halting disability progression, however, it is considered a second-line treatment because of the risk of adverse side-effects.[36] Natalizumab halves the risk of relapsing when compared to interferons, having an overall efficacy of over 70%.[36] Mitoxantrone is also highly useful to reduce attacks and disability, but it is generally not considered as a long-term therapy due to its severe cardiac toxicity.[6][71]

There are no official guidelines yet[when?] on the use of disease-modifying oral treatments due to their recent development.[39] While some believe that they will probably reduce the usage of first-line treatments the long-term safety of interferons and glatiramer acetate will probably slow this trend.[39] It has been recommended that at the moment[when?] oral treatments should be mainly offered in those cases where patients do not use existing treatments due to needle phobia or other reasons such as perceived inefficacy of interferons and glatiramer acetate.[39] They could also be used in patients taking natalizumab who have developed JC virus antibodies and are therefore at an increased risk of PML.[39] Dimethyl fumarate is potentially one of the most interesting oral drugs due to the long term data from use in psoriasis which points towards a very good safety profile.[39] A 2015 Cochrane systematic review found moderate quality evidence of a reduction in the number of people with RRMS that had relapses over a two-year treatment period with dimethyl fumarate versus placebo, as well as low quality evidence of a reduction in worsening disability, and an overall need for higher quality studies with longer follow-up.[17][needs update]

The relative effectiveness of different treatments is unclear, as most have only been compared to placebo or a small number of other therapies.[72][73] Direct comparisons of interferons and glatiramer acetate indicate similar effects or only small differences in effects on relapse rate, disease progression and magnetic resonance imaging measures.[74] Alemtuzumab, natalizumab, and fingolimod may be more effective than other drugs in reducing relapses over the short term in people with RRMS.[73] Natalizumab and interferon beta-1a (Rebif) may reduce relapses compared to both placebo and interferon beta-1a (Avonex) while Interferon beta-1b (Betaseron), glatiramer acetate, and mitoxantrone may also prevent relapses.[72] Evidence on relative effectiveness in reducing disability progression is unclear.[72][73] All medications are associated with adverse effects that may influence their risk to benefit profiles.[73][72]

While more studies of the long-term effects of the drugs are needed,[6][71][75] specially for the newest treatments,[17][76][36] existing data on the effects of interferons and glatiramer acetate indicate that early-initiated long-term therapy is safe and it is related to better outcomes.[75]

Oral contraceptive pills have contradictory results from different studies regarding any effect of decreasing relapse rate in women with multiple sclerosis.[77] Certain medications for MS symptoms, such as carbamazepine (used to treat spasms and pain) and modafinil (used to treat fatigue) can make oral contraceptive pills less effective.[77]

Secondary progressive MS and progressive relapsing MS

Chemical structure of mitoxantrone

Mitoxantrone has shown positive effects in people with a secondary progressive and progressive relapsing courses. It is moderately effective in reducing the progression of the disease and the frequency of relapses in people after two years.[78] In 2007, it was the only medication approved in the US for both secondary progressive and progressive relapsing multiple sclerosis; however, it causes dose-dependent cardiac toxicity which limits its long-term use. It is also not approved in Europe. Natalizumab has shown efficacy and has been approved for secondary progressive MS with relapses. Studies on the use of Interferon-beta-1b in secondary progressive and progressive relapsing MS do not support that it slows progression of the disease, although it is effective in reducing the number of relapses.[79]

Primary progressive MS

Treatment of primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) is problematic as many patients do not respond to any available therapy, and no treatment has been approved specifically for use in this form of the disease. There have been several trials investigating the efficacy of different drugs for PPMS without positive results. (As of 2013), Network meta-analysis of 9 immunomodulator and immunosuppressant agents suggested that there was no evidence of any being effective in preventing disability progression in people with progressive MS.[72] Drugs tested include interferon beta, mitoxantrone, glatiramer acetate or riluzole.[80] People with PPMS have also been included in trials of azathioprine, methotrexate, intravenous immunoglobulin, cyclophosphamide[81] and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.[82]

In March 2017, ocrelizumab was approved in the United States for the treatment of primary progressive multiple sclerosis in adults.[22][42] It is also used for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease in adults.[42]

Managing the effects of MS

Rehabilitation

Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy can play an important factor in managing symptoms of multiple sclerosis. These symptoms are not limited to but include tremors, gait impairment, and difficulty with transfers. OT's can help manage tremors by outfitting the patient using small passive weights to decrease the intensity of the tremors. With regard to gait impairment, occupational therapists can help develop a specific gait training program, evaluate for the most appropriate adaptive equipment and devices, and consider the need for powered mobility. Occupational Therapists are skilled in transferring and can help those with multiple sclerosis with their transferring abilities as well as providing training on transferring techniques and evaluation of assistive devices.[83]

Physical therapy

Symptoms of MS that can be improved include fatigue, spasticity, depression, bladder dysfunction, and neurological symptoms. These symptoms can be improved by physical therapy and medication. Physical therapists can show strengthening exercises and ways to stretch; ultimately making daily tasks easier and reduces fatigue while muscle strength increases as flexibility increases.[84] Exercise therapy can be proscribed safely without increased relapse risk,[85] and is the best supported rehabilitation intervention for reducing fatigue and improving muscle strength, mobility and quality of life according to an overview of Cochrane systematic reviews for rehabilitation.[86] Both drug therapy and neurorehabilitation have shown to ease the burden of some symptoms, even though neither influence disease progression. For other symptoms the efficacy of treatments is still very limited.[87]

Aquatic therapy has also been shown to alleviate symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Aquatic cycling and aerobic exercise is a safe and effective way to increase muscular strength, endurance, and circulation in MS patients. Aquatic therapy has decreased patient's pain, aided in depression/fatigue, and improved cardiorespiratory fitness. Overall, this modality has beneficial impacts on daily life activities and quality of life.[88]

Neurorehabilitation

Supervised physical therapy may be helpful to overcome some symptoms.

Although there are relatively few studies of rehabilitation in MS,[89][90] its general effectiveness, when conducted by a team of specialists, has been clearly demonstrated in other diseases such as stroke[91] or head trauma.[92] As for any patient with neurologic deficits, a multidisciplinary approach is key to limiting and overcoming disability;[86] however there are particular difficulties in specifying a 'core team' because people with MS may need help from almost any health profession or service at some point.[93] Neurologists are mainly involved in the diagnosis and ongoing management of multiple sclerosis, and any exacerbations. The comprehensive rehabilitation process for patients with multiple sclerosis is generally managed by physiatrists. Allied treatments such as physiotherapy,[94][95] speech and language therapy[96] or occupational therapy[97] can also help to manage some symptoms and maintain quality of life. Treatment of neuropsychiatric symptoms such as emotional distress and clinical depression should involve mental health professionals such as therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists,[98] while neuropsychologists can help to evaluate and manage cognitive deficits.[99]

Multidisciplinary approaches have been shown to be effective in increasing activity levels and participation in multiple sclerosis.[100][101] Studies investigating information provision in support of patient understanding and participation suggest that while interventions (written information, decision aids, coaching, educational programmes) may increase patient knowledge, the evidence of an effect on decision making and quality of life is mixed and low certainty.[102] Due to the paucity of randomized controlled studies, there is limited evidence of the overall efficacy of individual therapy disciplines,[103][104] though there is good evidence that specific approaches, such as exercise,[86][105][95] psychology therapies, particularly cognitive behavioral approaches[106] and energy conservation instruction[107] are effective. More specifically psychological interventions seem useful in the treatment of depression, while evidence on effectiveness for other uses such as the treatment of cognitive impairments or vocational counseling is less strong.[106][108] Cognitive training, alone or combined with other neuropsychological interventions, may show positive effects for memory and attention though firm conclusions are not possible given small sample numbers, variable methodology, interventions and outcome measures.[109] The effectiveness of palliative approaches in addition to standard care is uncertain, due to lack of evidence.[110] It is difficult to be specific about what types of rehabilitation will be most beneficial because therapies are tailored to meet the individual's specific needs.[111]

In regards to well-being, physical therapy focused on gait training can be vital to maximizing MS patient participation via reduction of fatigue during walking and activities of daily living (ADLs).[112] Most gait training is performed over-ground (i.e., in a gym room or outside on uneven ground), on treadmills or, less commonly, using robotic-assisted devices. Robotic-assisted body weight-supported treadmill training may be an effective therapeutic option in MS patients with severe walking impairments.[113] In contrast, over-ground gait training may be most effective in improving gait speed in MS patients with less severe impairments.[113] Equine-assisted therapies such as therapeutic horseback riding and hippotherapy are additional treatments that can positively influence gait,[114] balance and quality of life in people with MS.[115] Another effective modality used in physical therapy to improve gait and balance for MS patients is aquatic therapy. Patients with MS can perform walking, functional exercises, balance training and stretches in aquatic therapy to improve overall gait performance. Aquatic therapy can not only improve gait for MS patients but also dynamic balance and postural stability.[116]

Historically, individuals with MS were advised against participation in physical activity due to worsening symptoms.[117] However, under the direction of an expert, participation in physical activity can be safe and has been proven beneficial for persons with MS.[118] Research has supported the rehabilitative role of physical activity in improving muscle power,[119] mobility,[119] mood,[120] bowel health,[121] general conditioning and quality of life.[119] The effectiveness of interventions, including exercise, specifically for the prevention of falls in people with MS is uncertain, while there is some evidence of an effect on balance function and mobility.[122] Depending on the person, activities may include resistance training,[123] walking, swimming, yoga, tai chi, and others.[121] Determining an appropriate and safe exercise program is challenging and must be carefully individualized to each person being sure to account for all contraindications and precautions.[118]

An elevated core temperature, leading to increased symptom presentation has been noted during exercise, due to variations in circadian body temperature throughout the day, and due to heat exposure including warm temperatures, warm showers, sun bathing, etc. Care should be taken not to overheat a person with MS during the course of exercise. There is some evidence that cooling measures are effective in allowing a greater degree of exercise: cold showers, cold water limb immersion, applying ice packs, and drinking cold beverages. These strategies are effective when attempting to decrease core temperature post-exercise, and as a method of pre-cooling prior to physical activity or heat exposure.[124]

On 26 March 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized marketing of a new device indicated for use as a short-term treatment of gait deficit due to mild to moderate symptoms from multiple sclerosis (MS).[125] The device is intended to be used by prescription only as an adjunct to a supervised therapeutic exercise program in patients 22 years of age and older.[125] The device, called Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator (PoNS), is a neuromuscular tongue stimulator that consists of a non-implantable apparatus to generate electrical pulses for stimulation of the trigeminal and facial nerves via the tongue to provide treatment of motor deficits.[125] The PoNS device is a portable, non-implantable device which delivers mild neuromuscular electrical stimulation to the dorsal surface of the tongue.[125]

Medical treatments for symptoms

Multiple sclerosis can cause a variety of symptoms including changes in sensation (hypoesthesia), muscle weakness, abnormal muscle spasms, impaired movement, difficulties with coordination and balance, problems in speech (known as dysarthria) or swallowing (dysphagia), visual problems (nystagmus, optic neuritis, or diplopia), fatigue and acute or chronic pain syndromes, bladder and bowel difficulties, cognitive impairment, or emotional symptoms (mainly depression). At the same time for each symptom there are different treatment options.

  • Bladder: Symptomatology of the urinary tract is common in MS.[126] Treatments for bladder problems vary depending on the origin or type of dysfunction but can mainly divided into treatment of bladder control and incontinence, and of urinary tract infections.[126] Regarding bladder control, some examples of medications used are desmopressin for nocturia and anticholinergic drugs such as oxybutynin and tolterodine for urinary urgency.[126][127] Non-pharmacological management includes pelvic floor muscle training, stimulation, pessaries, bladder retraining, changes to daily life habits such as clothing, use of external urine collection devices for men and incontinence pads for women; and sometimes intermittent urinary catheterization.[128][126] Regarding long term catheterization, it is associated to urinary tract infections and should be avoided whenever possible.[126] Some of these recommendations do not come from specific studies in MS but are general recommendations for those who have neurogenic bladder.[126]
  • Bowel: bowel problems affect around 70% of the patients. Around 50% of patients have constipation and up to 30% have fecal incontinence.[126] Cause of bowel impairments in MS patients is usually either a reduced gut motility or an impairment in neurological control of defecation. The former is commonly related to inmobility or secondary effects from drugs used in the treatment of the disease.[126] Pain or problems with defecation can be helped with a diet change which includes among other changes an increased fluid intake, oral laxatives or suppositories and enemas when habit changes and oral measures are not enough to control the problems.[126][129]
  • Cognitive and emotional: neuropsychiatric symptomatology is common in the course of the disease.[130] Depression and anxiety appear in up to 80% of patients,.[131] Emotional lability leading to uncontrollable crying is also common.[126] These symptoms can be treated with antidepressants and cognitive behavioral therapy;[126] however, high quality studies on efficacy are lacking.[126] For example, in the specific case of antidepressants and depression, only two studies were considered worth considering (As of 2011) by the Cochrane collaboration and they only showed a trend towards efficacy.[132] While non-invasive brain stimulation with techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation could prove beneficial for depression in multiple sclerosis, disease specific studies have been limited[133] and may require targeting of specific brain networks associated with depression in multiple sclerosis.[134] Other neuropsychiatric symptoms are euphoria and disinhibition. Cognitive impairment is a frequent complication of MS even after the introduction of disease-modifying treatments in the last 20 years.[135] Although the disease is usually the primary cause of cognitive problems, other factors such as medications, relapses or depression may be enhancing them so a correct evaluation of the deficits and factors exacerbating them is important.[126] Regarding primary deficits, data point towards administration of L-amphetamine and methylphenidate being useful, whereas memantine and anticholinesterase drugs such as donepezil[136] —commonly used in Alzheimer disease— are not considered effective in improving cognitive functions.[106][135][137][138] The effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation therapy is less clear.[135][138][139] For those patients with MS who have pseudobulbar affect (PBA), characterized by uncontrollable episodes of crying and/or laughing, or other emotional displays, Dextromethorphan/quinidine can be considered as treatment as it is the only FDA approved drug for treatment for PBA, though other medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants have been used in clinical practice.[140]
  • Dysphagia and dysarthria: dysphagia is a difficulty with eating and swallowing which may cause choking and aspiration of food or liquid into the lungs, while dysarthria is a neurological motor speech disorder characterized by poor control over the subsystems and muscles responsible for speech ("articulation"). A speech and language therapist may give advice on specific swallowing techniques, on adapting food consistencies and dietary intake, on techniques to improve and maintain speech production and clarity, and on alternative communication approaches.[93][96] In the case of advanced dysphagia, food can be supplied by a nasogastric tube, which is a tube that goes through the nose directly to the stomach; or a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), which is a procedure for placing a tube into the stomach and therefore administering food directly to it.
  • Erectile dysfunction: erectile dysfunction is common in male patients with MS. There is some evidence indicating that sildenafil citrate may be a useful treatment.[141] Prostaglandin E1 has shown benefits for patients with erectile dysfunction due to a range of causes including multiple sclerosis.[142]
  • Fatigue: fatigue is very common and disabling in MS, and at the same time it has a close relationship with depressive symptomatology.[143] When depression is reduced fatigue also tends to improve, so patients should be evaluated for depression before other therapeutic approaches are used.[144] In a similar way, other factors such as disturbed sleep, chronic pain, poor nutrition, or even some medications can contribute to fatigue; medical professionals are therefore encouraged to identify and modify them.[93] A few medications have been studied to treat MS-related fatigue, such as amantadine[145][146] pemoline (which is a psychostimulant also used for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy),[147][148] or modafinil,[149][150][151] as well as psychological interventions of energy conservation,[152][153] but the effects of all of them are small. Fatigue is therefore a very difficult symptom to manage for which no drugs are recommended.[145]
  • Pain: acute pain is mainly due to optic neuritis (with corticosteroids being the best treatment available), as well as trigeminal neuralgia, Lhermitte's sign, or dysesthesias.[154] Subacute pain is usually secondary to the disease and can be a consequence of spending too long in the same position, urinary retention, and infected skin ulcers, amongst others. Treatment will depend on cause. Chronic pain is very common and harder to treat as its most common cause is dysesthesias. Acute pain due to trigeminal neuralgia is usually successfully treated with anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine[155] or phenytoin.[156][157][158] Both Lhermitte's sign and painful dysesthesias usually respond to treatment with carbamazepine, clonazepam,[159] or amitriptyline.[160][161] Sativex is approved for treatment of pain in MS in different countries, but due to its derivation from cannabis, it is currently[when?] not available in others, such as the USA.[162] This medication is also being investigated for the management of other MS symptoms, such as spasticity,[163] and has shown long-term safety and efficacy.[164] The evidence for the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for chronic pain is limited, very low quality and insufficient to recommend such interventions alone, however their use in combination with pharmacological agents may be reasonable.[165]
  • Spasticity: spasticity is characterized by increased stiffness and slowness in limb movement, the development of certain postures, an association with weakness of voluntary muscle power, and with involuntary and sometimes painful spasms of limbs.[93] A physiotherapist can help to reduce spasticity and avoid the development of contractures with techniques such as passive stretching.[166] Nabiximols is safe and effective for relieving spasticity.[167] There is evidence, albeit limited, of the clinical effectiveness of baclofen,[168] dantrolene,[169] diazepam,[170] and tizanidine.[171][172][173] In the most complicated cases intrathecal injections of baclofen can be used.[174] There are also palliative measures like castings, splints or customized seatings.[93] Among non-pharmacological interventions there is low level and limited evidence of a benefit for spasticity for people with multiple sclerosis for physical activity programs, transcranial magnetic stimulation and pulsed electromagnetic therapy.[175] Systematic review has found no evidence of benefit exists for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, sports climbing and vibration therapy.[175]
  • Vision: different drugs as well as optic compensatory systems and prisms can be used to improve the symptoms of nystagmus or diplopia (double vision).[176][177][178] Surgery can also be used in some cases.[179]
  • Walking : dalfampridine (ampyra) is a broad-spectrum potassium channel blocker. It is approved by the FDA to treat walking difficulties in MS. It has been shown to increase walking speed, although its high cost (over 1000 dollars a month) limits its usage.[180]

Other symptoms, such as ataxia, tremor or sensory losses, do not have proven treatments.[93] Evidence for an effect of respiratory muscle training is heterogeneous and low quality, while the effect on important outcomes like cough efficacy, pneumonia, and quality of life have not been evaluated.[181] Epileptic seizures are a potentially serious comorbidity in people in multiple sclerosis which is uncommon but nonetheless present more often than in the general population, however there is currently a lack of evidence on the efficacy and safety of anti-epileptic medication specifically in people with multiple sclerosis.[182] possibly as a secondary result of demyelinating lesions, is an uncommon but potentially serious complaint

Research

Main page: Medicine:Multiple sclerosis research
Chemical structure of alemtuzumab

Research directions on MS treatments include investigations of MS pathogenesis and heterogeneity; research of more effective, convenient, or tolerable new treatments for RRMS; creation of therapies for the progressive subtypes; neuroprotection strategies; and the search for effective symptomatic treatments.[183]

Advances during the last decades has led to the recent[when?] approval of several oral drugs. These drugs are expected to gain in popularity and frequency of use at the expense of previously existing therapies.[184] Further oral drugs are still[when?] under investigation, the most notable example being laquinimod, which was announced in August 2012 to be the focus of a third phase III trial after mixed results in the previous ones.[185][186] Similarly, Other studies are aimed to improve efficacy and ease of use of already existing therapies through the use of novel preparations. Such is the case the PEGylated version of interferon-β-1a, that has a longer life than normal interferon and therefore it is being studied if given at less frequent doses has a similar efficacy than the existing product.[187][188] With the completion of a robust two-year study, it is shown that the PEGylated interferon beta-1a has greater efficacy in decreasing relapse rate and disability progression compared to placebo for MS patients.[189]

Preliminary data have suggested[when?] that mycophenolate mofetil, an anti-rejection immunosuppressant medication, might have benefits in people with multiple sclerosis. However a systematic review found that the limited evidence available was insufficient to determine the effects of mycophenolate mofetil as an add‐on therapy for interferon beta-1a in people with RRMS.[190]

Monoclonal antibodies, which are drugs of the same family as natalizumab, have also raised high levels of interest and research. Alemtuzumab, daclizumab and CD20 monoclonal antibodies such as rituximab,[191] ocrelizumab and ofatumumab have all shown some benefit and are under study as potential treatments for MS.[192][needs update] Nevertheless, their use has also been accompanied by the appearance of potentially dangerous adverse effects, most importantly opportunistic infections.[184] Related to these investigations is the recent[when?] development of a test against JC virus antibodies which might help to predict what patients are at a greater risk of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy when taking natalizumab.[184] While monoclonal antibodies are probably going to have some role in the treatment of the disease in the future, it is believed that it will be small due to the risks associated to them.[184][needs update]

Another research strategy is to evaluate the combined effectiveness of two or more drugs.[193] The main rationale for polytherapy in MS is that the involved treatments target different mechanisms of the disease and therefore their use is not necessarily exclusive.[193] Moreover, synergies, in which a drug potentiates the effect of another are also possible. Nevertheless, there can also appear important drawbacks such as antagonizing mechanisms of action or potentiation of deleterious secondary effects.[193] While there have been several clinical trials of combined therapy none has shown positive enough effects to merit the consideration as a viable treatment for MS.[193]

Likewise, there are not any effective treatments for the progressive variants of the disease.[needs update] Many of the newest drugs as well as those under development are probably going to be evaluated as therapies for PPMS or SPMS, and their improved effectiveness when compared with previously existing drugs may eventually lead to a positive result in these groups of patients.[184]

Medications that influence voltage-gated sodium ion channels are under investigation as a potential neuroprotective strategy because of hypothesized role of sodium in the pathological process leading to axonal injury and accumulating disability. Currently, there is insufficient evidence of an effect of sodium channel blockers for people with MS.[194]

There is growing developments in the area of medical imaging and MRI, allowing for better reviews and understandings of MS in patients and how to treat each case in a more effective method.[195][196]

Stem cell transplant

Finally, regarding neuroprotective and specially regenerative treatments, such as stem cell therapy, while their research is considered of high importance at the moment they are only a promise of future therapeutic approaches.[197]

A 2018 study found promising results in relapsing-remitting MS but more research is needed.[198]

CCSVI

In 2008, vascular surgeon Paolo Zamboni suggested that MS involves a vascular process he referred to as chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI), in which veins from the brain are constricted. He found CCSVI in all 65 patients with MS in his study.[199] This theory received important attention in the media and among people with MS, specially in Canada.[200] Concern has been raised with Zamboni's research as it was neither blinded nor controlled, and additionally its assumptions about the pathophisiology of the disease may not be backed by known data.[201] Also further studies have either not found a relationship or found a much less strong one.[202] This has raised objections to the hypothesis of CCSVI originating MS.[203] The "liberation procedure" has been criticized for possibly resulting in serious complications and deaths while its benefits have not been proven.[201] Currently[when?] it is recommended not to use the proposed treatment unless its effectiveness is confirmed by controlled studies.[204] Research on CCSVI has been fast tracked but researchers have been unable to confirm whether CCSVI has a role in causing MS.[202]

Alternative treatments

Over 50% of MS patients may use complementary and alternative medicine, although numbers vary greatly depending on the definition of alternative medicine used.[205] In the United States, it is estimated that 75% of the MS patient populations use at least one complementary and alternative medicine for treatment and symptomatic control.[citation needed] The evidence for effectiveness for such treatments in most cases is weak or absent.[205][206] Examples of treatments used by patients include dietary supplementation and regimens[205][207] such as vitamin D, calcium, vitamin B12, and antioxidants. The rationale behind the use of Vitamin D supplementation is that studies show an association between vitamin D deficiency and increasing progression of MS, as well as the anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin D.[208] However available evidence suggests vitamin D supplementation, irrespective of the form and dose used, provides no apparent benefit for people with MS for measures such as relapse recurrence of, disability worsening and MRI lesions while effects on health‐related quality of life and fatigue are unclear.[209]

For antioxidant therapy, studies have shown that reactive oxidative species lead to the formation of multiple sclerosis lesions in which antioxidants can help induce neuroprotective and immunomodulatory effects.[210] Probably the most clear disease modifying factor (for worse) is smoking, and therefore to quit smoking should be considered.[211]

Other alternative treatments include relaxation techniques such as yoga,[205] herbal medicine (including the use of medical cannabis),[205][212] hyperbaric oxygenation,[213] self-infection with hookworm (known generally as helminthic therapy) and bee venom therapy, reflexology or acupuncture.[205] Regarding the characteristics of users, they are more frequently women, have had MS for a longer time and tend to be more disabled. Moreover, they also have lower levels of satisfaction with conventional healthcare.[205]

References

  1. "EFNS guideline on treatment of multiple sclerosis relapses: report of an EFNS task force on treatment of multiple sclerosis relapses". European Journal of Neurology 12 (12): 939–46. December 2005. doi:10.1111/j.1468-1331.2005.01352.x. PMID 16324087. 
  2. "Disease modifying therapies in multiple sclerosis: report of the Therapeutics and Technology Assessment Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology and the MS Council for Clinical Practice Guidelines". Neurology 58 (2): 169–78. January 2002. doi:10.1212/wnl.58.2.169. PMID 11805241. 
  3. 3.0 3.1 "Corticosteroids or ACTH for acute exacerbations in multiple sclerosis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (4): CD001331. 2000. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001331. PMID 11034713. 
  4. "Corticosteroids for the long-term treatment in multiple sclerosis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (1): CD006264. January 2008. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD006264.pub2. PMID 18254098. 
  5. "Oral versus intravenous steroids for treatment of relapses in multiple sclerosis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 12: CD006921. December 2012. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD006921.pub3. PMID 23235634. 
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 6.8 "Multiple sclerosis". Lancet 372 (9648): 1502–17. October 2008. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(08)61620-7. PMID 18970977. 
  7. "Immunoadsorption in steroid-refractory multiple sclerosis". Atherosclerosis. Supplements 14 (1): 175–8. January 2013. doi:10.1016/j.atherosclerosissup.2012.10.026. PMID 23357161. 
  8. Ramya, T. M., Habib, S., Sangaraju, S. L., Daniela, Y., & Grandes, X. A. (2022). Multiple sclerosis: Therapeutic strategies on the horizon. Cureus, 14(5) https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2022.824926
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 "U.S. Food and Drug Administration Approves Bristol Myers Squibb's Zeposia (ozanimod), a New Oral Treatment for Relapsing Forms of Multiple Sclerosis". Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (Press release). 26 March 2020. Retrieved 26 March 2020.
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 "Interferon in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2001 (4): CD002002. 2001. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD002002. PMID 11687131. 
  11. "Natalizumab for relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (10): CD007621. October 2011. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007621.pub2. PMID 21975773. 
  12. "FDA Approves Lemtrada". Biogen Idec Press Release. 14 November 2013. https://www.drugs.com/newdrugs/fda-approves-lemtrada-alemtuzumab-relapsing-forms-multiple-sclerosis-4110.html. 
  13. 13.0 13.1 "FDA approves new drug to treat multiple sclerosis". U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (Press release). 29 March 2017. Retrieved 26 March 2020. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  14. 14.0 14.1 14.2 "Fingolimod for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2016 (4): CD009371. April 2016. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009371.pub2. PMID 27091121. 
  15. 15.0 15.1 "FDA approves first oral drug to reduce MS relapses" (Press release). U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 22 September 2010. Retrieved 21 January 2013. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  16. 16.0 16.1 Castillo, Michelle (13 September 2012). "FDA approves new multiple sclerosis treatment Aubagio". CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fda-approves-new-multiple-sclerosis-treatment-aubagio/. 
  17. 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 "Dimethyl fumarate for multiple sclerosis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2015 (4): CD011076. April 2015. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011076.pub2. PMID 25900414. 
  18. 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 "Biogen Idec's Tecfidera (Dimethyl Fumarate) Approved in US as a First-Line Oral Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis". Biogen Idec Press Release. 27 March 2013. http://www.biogenidec.com/press_release_details.aspx?ID=5981&ReqId=1801165. 
  19. 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 "NDA 204063 - FDA Approved Labeling Text". U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 27 March 2013. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/204063lbl.pdf. 
    "NDA Approval". U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 27 March 2013. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/appletter/2013/204063Orig1s000ltr.pdf. 
  20. 20.0 20.1 "Drug Approval Package: Vumerity". 21 April 2020. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2019/211855Orig1s000TOC.cfm. 
  21. "Novartis receives FDA approval for Mayzent (siponimod), the first oral drug to treat secondary progressive MS with active disease". Novartis (Press release). 26 March 2019. Retrieved 26 March 2020.
  22. 22.0 22.1 22.2 22.3 22.4 "Progressive multiple sclerosis: latest therapeutic developments and future directions". Therapeutic Advances in Neurological Disorders 12: 1756286419878323. 2019. doi:10.1177/1756286419878323. PMID 31598138. 
  23. "FDA approves Zinbryta to treat multiple sclerosis". U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (Press release). 27 May 2016. Retrieved 26 March 2020. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  24. "FDA working with manufacturers to withdraw Zinbryta from the market in the United States". 30 April 2018. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-working-manufacturers-withdraw-zinbryta-market-united-states.  This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  25. "History of modern multiple sclerosis therapy". Journal of Neurology 252 (Suppl 3): iii3–iii9. September 2005. doi:10.1007/s00415-005-2010-6. PMID 16170498. 
  26. "Interferon Beta-1a Intramuscular Injection". 19 March 2020. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a693040.html. 
  27. "Interferon Beta-1a Subcutaneous Injection". 19 March 2020. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a604005.html. 
  28. "Interferon Beta-1b Injection". 19 March 2020. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601151.html. 
  29. Plegridy Prescribing Information Biogen Idec Inc. Plegridy Prescribing Information (August 2014). Retrieved on 31 October 2014
  30. Peginterferon beta-1a description National Multiple Sclerosis Society (15 August 2014). Retrieved on 27 October 2014
  31. 31.0 31.1 31.2 "The mechanism of action of interferon-β in relapsing multiple sclerosis". CNS Drugs 25 (6): 491–502. June 2011. doi:10.2165/11591110-000000000-00000. PMID 21649449. 
  32. "Mechanism of action of glatiramer acetate in multiple sclerosis and its potential for the development of new applications". Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 101 (Suppl 2): 14593–8. October 2004. doi:10.1073/pnas.0404887101. PMID 15371592. Bibcode2004PNAS..10114593A. 
  33. "Glatiramer Injection". 19 March 2020. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a603016.html. 
  34. "Glatiramer acetate in the treatment of multiple sclerosis: emerging concepts regarding its mechanism of action". CNS Drugs 25 (5): 401–14. May 2011. doi:10.2165/11588120-000000000-00000. PMID 21476611. 
  35. 35.0 35.1 35.2 "Evidence Report: The efficacy and safety of mitoxantrone (Novantrone) in the treatment of multiple sclerosis: Report of the Therapeutics and Technology Assessment Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology". Neurology 74 (18): 1463–70. May 2010. doi:10.1212/WNL.0b013e3181dc1ae0. PMID 20439849. 
  36. 36.00 36.01 36.02 36.03 36.04 36.05 36.06 36.07 36.08 36.09 36.10 36.11 "Natalizumab treatment for multiple sclerosis: updated recommendations for patient selection and monitoring". The Lancet. Neurology 10 (8): 745–58. August 2011. doi:10.1016/S1474-4422(11)70149-1. PMID 21777829. 
  37. "Natalizumab Injection". 19 March 2020. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a605006.html. 
  38. "Disruption of the interaction of T cells with antigen-presenting cells by the active leflunomide metabolite teriflunomide: involvement of impaired integrin activation and immunologic synapse formation". Arthritis and Rheumatism 52 (9): 2730–9. September 2005. doi:10.1002/art.21255. PMID 16142756. 
  39. 39.00 39.01 39.02 39.03 39.04 39.05 39.06 39.07 39.08 39.09 39.10 39.11 "Oral treatment for multiple sclerosis". The Lancet. Neurology 10 (11): 1026–34. November 2011. doi:10.1016/S1474-4422(11)70228-9. PMID 22014437. 
  40. Gylenya medication guide. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. May 2012. p. 2. http://www.pharma.us.novartis.com/cs/www.pharma.us.novartis.com/product/pi/pdf/gilenya.pdf. Retrieved 21 January 2013. 
  41. "Cladribine tablets for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis". Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy 14 (1): 123–36. January 2013. doi:10.1517/14656566.2013.754012. PMID 23256518. 
  42. 42.0 42.1 42.2 42.3 "Ocrevus- ocrelizumab injection". Genentech. 13 December 2019. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=9da42362-3bb5-4b83-b4bb-b59fd4e55f0d. 
  43. "Drug Trials Snapshots: Ocrevus". 28 March 2017. http://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-approvals-and-databases/drug-trials-snapshots-ocrevus.  This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  44. "Ocrelizumab Monograph for Professionals". 25 November 2019. https://www.drugs.com/monograph/ocrelizumab.html. 
  45. "Ocrevus EPAR". 6 January 2020. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/ocrevus. 
  46. "Drug Approval Package: Mayzent (siponimod)". 3 May 2019. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2019/209884Orig1s000TOC.cfm. 
  47. "Drug Approval Package: Mavenclad (cladribine)". 22 July 2019. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2019/022561Orig1s000TOC.cfm. 
  48. "FDA approves new oral treatment for multiple sclerosis". U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (Press release). 29 March 2019. Retrieved 26 March 2020. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  49. "FDA approves new oral drug to treat multiple sclerosis". U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (Press release). 26 March 2019. Retrieved 26 March 2020. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  50. "Mayzent". 12 November 2019. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/mayzent. 
  51. "Mavenclad". 4 March 2020. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/mavenclad. 
  52. "Zeposia- ozanimod hydrochloride capsule Zeposia 7-Day Starter Pack- ozanimod hydrochloride kit Zeposia Starter Kit- ozanimod hydrochloride kit". 16 November 2022. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=93ce2fab-edfb-4804-8074-963071de51e4. 
  53. "Zeposia: FDA-Approved Drugs". https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm?event=overview.process&ApplNo=209899. 
  54. "Ozanimod for the treatment of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis". Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy 19 (18): 2073–2086. December 2018. doi:10.1080/14656566.2018.1540592. PMID 30407868. 
  55. "Bafiertam- monomethyl fumarate capsule". https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=a161f9d4-70f1-4097-957a-eafb35d3274f. 
  56. "Janssen Announces U.S. FDA Approval of Ponvory (ponesimod), an Oral Treatment for Adults with Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis Proven Superior to Aubagio (teriflunomide) in Reducing Annual Relapses and Brain Lesions" (Press release). Janssen. 19 March 2021. Retrieved 19 March 2021 – via PR Newswire.
  57. "TG Therapeutics Announces FDA Approval of Briumvi (ublituximab-xiiy)" (Press release). TG Therapeutics. 28 December 2022. Retrieved 29 December 2022 – via GlobeNewswire.
  58. 58.00 58.01 58.02 58.03 58.04 58.05 58.06 58.07 58.08 58.09 58.10 58.11 58.12 "Multiple sclerosis: side effects of interferon beta therapy and their management". Neurology 53 (8): 1622–7. November 1999. doi:10.1212/wnl.53.8.1622. PMID 10563602. 
  59. 59.0 59.1 59.2 59.3 "Glatiramer acetate: a review of its use in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and in delaying the onset of clinically definite multiple sclerosis". Drugs 70 (12): 1545–77. August 2010. doi:10.2165/11204560-000000000-00000. PMID 20687620. 
  60. "Understanding the symptoms of the common cold and influenza". The Lancet. Infectious Diseases 5 (11): 718–25. November 2005. doi:10.1016/S1473-3099(05)70270-X. PMID 16253889. 
  61. "Glatiramer acetate for multiple sclerosis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (5): CD004678. May 2010. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD004678.pub2. PMID 20464733. 
  62. "Management of worsening multiple sclerosis with mitoxantrone: a review". Clinical Therapeutics 28 (4): 461–74. April 2006. doi:10.1016/j.clinthera.2006.04.013. PMID 16750460. 
  63. "Disease-modifying agents for multiple sclerosis and the risk for reporting cancer: A disproportionality analysis using the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System database.". British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 87 (12): 4769–4779. 16 May 2021. doi:10.1111/bcp.14916. PMID 33998034. 
  64. "Clinically isolated syndromes suggestive of multiple sclerosis, part I: natural history, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and prognosis". The Lancet. Neurology 4 (5): 281–8. May 2005. doi:10.1016/S1474-4422(05)70071-5. PMID 15847841. 
  65. "Treatment effects of immunomodulatory therapies at different stages of multiple sclerosis in short-term trials". Neurology 76 (1 Suppl 1): S14-25. January 2011. doi:10.1212/WNL.0b013e3182050388. PMID 21205678. 
  66. "Recombinant interferon beta or glatiramer acetate for delaying conversion of the first demyelinating event to multiple sclerosis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2): CD005278. April 2008. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005278.pub3. PMID 18425915. 
  67. 67.0 67.1 "Treatment with disease-modifying drugs for people with a first clinical attack suggestive of multiple sclerosis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2017 (4): CD012200. April 2017. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012200.pub2. PMID 28440858. 
  68. "Interferon-beta responders and non-responders. A biological approach". Neurological Sciences 29 (Suppl 2): S216-7. September 2008. doi:10.1007/s10072-008-0941-2. PMID 18690496. 
  69. "Interferon-β-1b: a review of its use in multiple sclerosis". CNS Drugs 25 (1): 67–88. January 2011. doi:10.2165/11206430-000000000-00000. PMID 21128695. 
  70. "Intense immunosuppression in patients with rapidly worsening multiple sclerosis: treatment guidelines for the clinician". The Lancet. Neurology 7 (2): 173–83. February 2008. doi:10.1016/S1474-4422(08)70020-6. PMID 18207115. 
  71. 71.0 71.1 "Treatment of multiple sclerosis: role of natalizumab". Neurological Sciences. 30 30 Suppl 2 (S2): S155-8. October 2009. doi:10.1007/s10072-009-0147-2. PMID 19882365. 
  72. 72.0 72.1 72.2 72.3 72.4 "Immunomodulators and immunosuppressants for multiple sclerosis: a network meta-analysis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (6): CD008933. June 2013. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008933.pub2. PMID 23744561. 
  73. 73.0 73.1 73.2 73.3 "Immunomodulators and immunosuppressants for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a network meta-analysis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2015 (9): CD011381. September 2015. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011381.pub2. PMID 26384035. 
  74. "Interferons-beta versus glatiramer acetate for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2016 (11): CD009333. November 2016. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009333.pub3. PMID 27880972. 
  75. 75.0 75.1 "Long-term follow-up of clinical trials of multiple sclerosis therapies". Neurology 76 (1 Suppl 1): S26-34. January 2011. doi:10.1212/WNL.0b013e318205051d. PMID 21205679. 
  76. "Teriflunomide for multiple sclerosis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2016 (3): CD009882. March 2016. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009882.pub3. PMID 27003123. 
  77. 77.0 77.1 Neild, Chloe (2009). Women's Health and Multiple Sclerosis. ISBN 978-0-921323-99-0. http://mssociety.ca/en/pdf/MS_Womens_Health_En.pdf. Retrieved 25 October 2014.  Multiple Sclerosis Society of Great Britain
  78. "Mitoxantrone for multiple sclerosis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 5 (5): CD002127. May 2013. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD002127.pub3. PMID 23728638. 
  79. "Interferon beta for secondary progressive multiple sclerosis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 1: CD005181. January 2012. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005181.pub3. PMID 22258960. 
  80. "Riluzole". 19 March 2020. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a696013.html. 
  81. "Cyclophosphamide for multiple sclerosis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007 (1): CD002819. January 2007. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD002819.pub2. PMID 17253481. 
  82. "Primary progressive multiple sclerosis : current and future treatment options". CNS Drugs 19 (5): 369–76. 2005. doi:10.2165/00023210-200519050-00001. PMID 15907149. 
  83. Boissy, Adrienne (10 Jan 2014). "Multiple sclerosis symptom management". Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics 7 (9): 1213–1222. doi:10.1586/14737175.7.9.1213. PMID 17868019. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1586/14737175.7.9.1213. 
  84. "Exercise therapy for multiple sclerosis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2005 (1): CD003980. January 2005. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003980.pub2. PMID 15674920. 
  85. "Exercise therapy for fatigue in multiple sclerosis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2015 (9): CD009956. September 2015. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009956.pub2. PMID 26358158. 
  86. 86.0 86.1 86.2 "Rehabilitation for people with multiple sclerosis: an overview of Cochrane Reviews". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 1 (1): CD012732. January 2019. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012732.pub2. PMID 30637728. 
  87. "Symptomatic therapy and neurorehabilitation in multiple sclerosis". The Lancet. Neurology 4 (10): 643–52. October 2005. doi:10.1016/S1474-4422(05)70193-9. PMID 16168933. 
  88. Corvillo, Iluminada; Varela, Enrique; Armijo, Francisco; Alvarez-Badillo, Antonio; Armijo, Onica; Maraver, Francisco (December 2017). "Efficacy of aquatic therapy for multiple sclerosis: a systematic review". European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine 53 (6): 944–952. doi:10.23736/S1973-9087.17.04570-1. ISSN 1973-9095. PMID 28215060. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28215060. 
  89. "Extended outpatient rehabilitation: its influence on symptom frequency, fatigue, and functional status for persons with progressive multiple sclerosis". Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 79 (2): 141–6. February 1998. doi:10.1016/S0003-9993(98)90290-8. PMID 9473994. 
  90. "Physical rehabilitation has a positive effect on disability in multiple sclerosis patients". Neurology 52 (1): 57–62. January 1999. doi:10.1212/wnl.52.1.57. PMID 9921849. 
  91. "Organised inpatient (stroke unit) care for stroke: network meta-analysis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 4 (4): CD000197. April 2020. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD000197.pub4. PMID 32324916. 
  92. "Multi-disciplinary rehabilitation for acquired brain injury in adults of working age". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2015 (12): CD004170. December 2015. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD004170.pub3. PMID 26694853. 
  93. 93.0 93.1 93.2 93.3 93.4 93.5 The National Collaborating Centre for Chronic Conditions (2004). Multiple sclerosis : national clinical guideline for diagnosis and management in primary and secondary care. London: Royal College of Physicians. ISBN 978-1-86016-182-7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK48919/pdf/TOC.pdf. Retrieved 6 February 2013. 
  94. "Physical exercise in multiple sclerosis: supportive care or a putative disease-modifying treatment". Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics 6 (3): 347–55. March 2006. doi:10.1586/14737175.6.3.347. PMID 16533139. 
  95. 95.0 95.1 "Exercise therapy for multiple sclerosis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2005 (1): CD003980. January 2005. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003980.pub2. PMID 15674920. 
  96. 96.0 96.1 "Speech-language pathology and dysphagia in multiple sclerosis". Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America 9 (3): 631–41. August 1998. doi:10.1016/S1047-9651(18)30254-7. PMID 9894114. 
  97. "The effectiveness of physical, psychological, and functional interventions in treating clients with multiple sclerosis: a meta-analysis". The American Journal of Occupational Therapy 55 (3): 324–31. 2001. doi:10.5014/ajot.55.3.324. PMID 11723974. 
  98. "The neuropsychiatry of multiple sclerosis: a review of recent developments". Current Opinion in Psychiatry 20 (3): 278–85. May 2007. doi:10.1097/YCO.0b013e3280eb10d7. PMID 17415083. 
  99. "Multiple sclerosis". Seminars in Neurology 27 (1): 78–85. February 2007. doi:10.1055/s-2006-956758. PMID 17226744. 
  100. "Multidisciplinary rehabilitation for adults with multiple sclerosis". Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry 79 (2): 114. February 2008. doi:10.1136/jnnp.2007.127563. PMID 18202203. 
  101. "Multidisciplinary rehabilitation for adults with multiple sclerosis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2011 (2): CD006036. April 2007. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD006036.pub2. PMID 17443610. 
  102. "Information provision for people with multiple sclerosis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 10 (10): CD008757. October 2018. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008757.pub3. PMID 30317542. 
  103. "Evidence of the efficacy of occupational therapy in different conditions: an overview of systematic reviews". Clinical Rehabilitation 19 (3): 247–54. May 2005. doi:10.1191/0269215505cr870oa. PMID 15859525. https://research.vu.nl/ws/files/2109363/187018.pdf. 
  104. "Occupational therapy for multiple sclerosis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010 (3): CD003608. 2003. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003608. PMID 12917976. 
  105. "Physical training and multiple sclerosis". Annales de Réadaptation et de Médecine Physique 50 (6): 373–6, 369–72. July 2007. doi:10.1016/j.annrmp.2007.04.004. PMID 17482708. 
  106. 106.0 106.1 106.2 "Psychological interventions for multiple sclerosis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010 (1): CD004431. January 2006. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD004431.pub2. PMID 16437487. 
  107. "Efficacy of an energy conservation course for persons with multiple sclerosis". Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 82 (4): 449–56. April 2001. doi:10.1053/apmr.2001.22192. PMID 11295003. 
  108. "Effectiveness of vocational rehabilitation intervention on the return to work and employment of persons with multiple sclerosis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2009 (1): CD007256. January 2009. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007256.pub2. PMID 19160331. 
  109. "Neuropsychological rehabilitation for multiple sclerosis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2): CD009131. February 2014. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009131.pub3. PMID 24515630. 
  110. "Palliative care interventions for people with multiple sclerosis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2019 (10): CD012936. October 2019. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012936.pub2. PMID 31637711. 
  111. IN-DEEP project. "Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation for MS". Making Sense of MS Research. http://www.makingsenseofmsresearch.org.au/treatment-summaries/multidisciplinary-rehabilitation-for-ms/. 
  112. "Assessment of gait parameters and fatigue in MS patients during inpatient rehabilitation: a pilot trial". Journal of Neurology 258 (5): 889–94. May 2011. doi:10.1007/s00415-010-5821-z. PMID 21076978. 
  113. 113.0 113.1 "Robotic-assisted step training (lokomat) not superior to equal intensity of over-ground rehabilitation in patients with multiple sclerosis". Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair 26 (3): 212–21. 2012. doi:10.1177/1545968311425923. PMID 22140197. 
  114. "Effect of therapeutic horseback riding on balance and gait of people with multiple sclerosis". Giornale Italiano di Medicina del Lavoro ed Ergonomia 33 (4): 462–7. 2011. PMID 22452106. 
  115. "Does hippotherapy improve balance in persons with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review". European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine 46 (3): 347–53. September 2010. PMID 20927000. 
  116. Methajarunon, Pichanan; Eitivipart, Chachris; Diver, Claire J.; Foongchomcheay, Anchalee (December 2016). "Systematic review of published studies on aquatic exercise for balance in patients with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and hemiplegia". Hong Kong Physiotherapy Journal 35: 12–20. doi:10.1016/j.hkpj.2016.03.002. ISSN 1013-7025. PMID 30931029. 
  117. "How does exercise influence fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis?". Disability and Rehabilitation 31 (9): 685–92. 2009. doi:10.1080/09638280802273473. PMID 18841515. 
  118. 118.0 118.1 O'Sullivan, Susan (2007). Physical Rehabilitation Fifth Edition. Philadelphia: F.A. Davis Company. pp. 136–146. ISBN 978-0-8036-1247-1. 
  119. 119.0 119.1 119.2 "The impact of regular physical activity on fatigue, depression and quality of life in persons with multiple sclerosis". Health and Quality of Life Outcomes 7: 68. July 2009. doi:10.1186/1477-7525-7-68. PMID 19619337. 
  120. "Exercise therapy for multiple sclerosis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews CD003980 (1): CD003980. January 2005. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003980.pub2. PMID 15674920. 
  121. 121.0 121.1 "Multiple sclerosis: its effects on you and those you love". Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. 2008. http://mssociety.ca/en/pdf/ms-effects.pdf. 
  122. "Interventions for preventing falls in people with multiple sclerosis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2019 (11): CD012475. November 2019. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012475.pub2. PMID 31778221. 
  123. "Resistance training improves muscle strength and functional capacity in multiple sclerosis". Neurology 73 (18): 1478–84. November 2009. doi:10.1212/WNL.0b013e3181bf98b4. PMID 19884575. 
  124. "Thermoregulation in multiple sclerosis". Journal of Applied Physiology 109 (5): 1531–7. November 2010. doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.00460.2010. PMID 20671034. 
  125. 125.0 125.1 125.2 125.3 "FDA Authorizes Marketing of Device to Improve Gait in Multiple Sclerosis Patients". U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (Press release). 26 March 2021. Retrieved 26 March 2021. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  126. 126.00 126.01 126.02 126.03 126.04 126.05 126.06 126.07 126.08 126.09 126.10 126.11 126.12 The National Collaborating Centre for Chronic Conditions (UK) (2004). "Diagnosis and treatment of specific impairments". Multiple sclerosis: national clinical guideline for diagnosis and management in primary and secondary care. NICE Clinical Guidelines. 8. London: Royal College of Physicians (UK). pp. 87–132. ISBN 978-1-86016-182-7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK48919/pdf/TOC.pdf. Retrieved 6 February 2013. 
  127. "Efficacy of desmopressin in patients with multiple sclerosis suffering from bladder dysfunction: a meta-analysis". Acta Neurologica Scandinavica 112 (1): 1–5. July 2005. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0404.2005.00431.x. PMID 15932348. https://pure.rug.nl/ws/files/6686664/Bosma_2005_Acta_Neurol_Scand.pdf. 
  128. Frances M Dyro (1 February 2012). "Urologic Management in Neurologic Disease". WebMD LLC. http://www.emedicine.com/neuro/topic673.htm. 
  129. "Bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis: management strategies". Drugs 63 (2): 153–66. 2003. doi:10.2165/00003495-200363020-00003. PMID 12515563. 
  130. "Andre G. Ombredane and the psychiatry of multiple sclerosis: a conceptual and statistical history". Comprehensive Psychiatry 31 (5): 438–46. 1990. doi:10.1016/0010-440x(90)90029-r. PMID 2225803. 
  131. "Neuropsychiatric manifestations of multiple sclerosis". The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences 11 (1): 51–7. 1999. doi:10.1176/jnp.11.1.51. PMID 9990556. 
  132. "Pharmacologic treatment of depression in multiple sclerosis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2): CD007295. February 2011. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007295.pub2. PMID 21328292. 
  133. Aloizou, Athina-Maria; Pateraki, Georgia; Anargyros, Konstantinos; Siokas, Vasileios; Bakirtzis, Christos; Liampas, Ioannis; Nousia, Anastasia; Nasios, Grigorios et al. (1 November 2021). "Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and repetitive TMS in multiple sclerosis" (in en). Reviews in the Neurosciences 32 (7): 723–736. doi:10.1515/revneuro-2020-0140. ISSN 2191-0200. PMID 33641274. https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/revneuro-2020-0140/html?lang=en. 
  134. Siddiqi, Shan H.; Kletenik, Isaiah; Anderson, Mark C.; Cavallari, Michele; Chitnis, Tanuja; Glanz, Bonnie I.; Khalil, Samar; Palotai, Miklos et al. (January 2023). "Lesion network localization of depression in multiple sclerosis" (in en). Nature Mental Health 1 (1): 36–44. doi:10.1038/s44220-022-00002-y. ISSN 2731-6076. 
  135. 135.0 135.1 135.2 "Cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis". Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports 12 (5): 618–27. October 2012. doi:10.1007/s11910-012-0294-3. PMID 22791241. 
  136. "Donepezil". 19 March 2020. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a697032.html. 
  137. "Pharmacological treatment for memory disorder in multiple sclerosis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 12 (12): CD008876. December 2013. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008876.pub3. PMID 24343792. 
  138. 138.0 138.1 "Treatment of cognitive impairment in patients with multiple sclerosis". Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs 21 (11): 1679–99. November 2012. doi:10.1517/13543784.2012.716036. PMID 22876911. 
  139. Taylor, Lauren A.; Mhizha-Murira, Jacqueline R.; Smith, Laura; Potter, Kristy-Jane; Wong, Dana; Evangelou, Nikos; Lincoln, Nadina B.; das Nair, Roshan (2021-10-18). "Memory rehabilitation for people with multiple sclerosis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2021 (10): CD008754. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008754.pub4. ISSN 1469-493X. PMID 34661282. 
  140. "Evidence-based guideline: assessment and management of psychiatric disorders in individuals with MS: report of the Guideline Development Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology". Neurology 82 (2): 174–81. January 2014. doi:10.1212/wnl.0000000000000013. PMID 24376275. 
  141. "Sildenafil citrate for erectile dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 4 (4): CD009427. April 2012. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009427.pub2. PMID 22513975. 
  142. "Prostaglandin E1 for treatment of erectile dysfunction". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2): CD001784. 2004. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001784.pub2. PMID 15106162. 
  143. "Fatigue associated with multiple sclerosis: diagnosis, impact and management". Multiple Sclerosis 9 (3): 219–27. June 2003. doi:10.1191/1352458503ms904oa. PMID 12814166. 
  144. "Effects of treatment for depression on fatigue in multiple sclerosis". Psychosomatic Medicine 65 (4): 542–7. 2003. doi:10.1097/01.PSY.0000074757.11682.96. PMID 12883103. 
  145. 145.0 145.1 Pucci, Eugenio, ed (January 2007). "Amantadine for fatigue in multiple sclerosis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007 (1): CD002818. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD002818.pub2. PMID 17253480. 
  146. "Amantadine". 19 March 2020. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682064.html. 
  147. "A double-blind, randomized, crossover trial of pemoline in fatigue associated with multiple sclerosis". Neurology 42 (8): 1468–71. August 1992. doi:10.1212/wnl.42.8.1468. PMID 1641137. 
  148. "Treatments for fatigue in multiple sclerosis: a rapid and systematic review". Health Technology Assessment 4 (27): 1–61. October 2000. doi:10.3310/hta4270. PMID 11074395. 
  149. "Modafinil for the treatment of multiple sclerosis-related fatigue". The Annals of Pharmacotherapy 44 (6): 1098–103. June 2010. doi:10.1345/aph.1M705. PMID 20442351. 
  150. "The drugs do work: my life on brain enhancers". The Guardian (London). 3 May 2013. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/may/03/brain-enhancing-drugs-mj-hyland. 
  151. "Efficacy and safety of modafinil (Provigil) for the treatment of fatigue in multiple sclerosis: a two centre phase 2 study". Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry 72 (2): 179–83. February 2002. doi:10.1136/jnnp.72.2.179. PMID 11796766. 
  152. "Randomized controlled trial of an energy conservation course for persons with multiple sclerosis". Multiple Sclerosis 11 (5): 592–601. October 2005. doi:10.1191/1352458505ms1198oa. PMID 16193899. 
  153. "Use and perceived effectiveness of energy conservation strategies for managing multiple sclerosis fatigue". The American Journal of Occupational Therapy 61 (1): 62–9. 2007. doi:10.5014/ajot.61.1.62. PMID 17302106. 
  154. "Pain in multiple sclerosis: a biopsychosocial perspective". Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development 39 (2): 225–32. 2002. PMID 12051466. 
  155. "Carbamazepine". 19 March 2020. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682237.html. 
  156. "Phenytoin". 19 March 2020. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682022.html. 
  157. "Trigeminal neuralgia and multiple sclerosis". Archives of Neurology 44 (4): 379–81. April 1987. doi:10.1001/archneur.1987.00520160021008. PMID 3493757. 
  158. "Trigeminal neuralgia: an overview". Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, and Oral Pathology 48 (5): 393–9. November 1979. doi:10.1016/0030-4220(79)90064-1. PMID 226915. 
  159. "Clonazepam". 19 March 2020. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682279.html. 
  160. "Amitriptyline". 19 March 2020. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682388.html. 
  161. "Pain syndromes in multiple sclerosis". Neurology 38 (12): 1830–4. December 1988. doi:10.1212/wnl.38.12.1830. PMID 2973568. 
  162. "Meta-analysis of cannabis based treatments for neuropathic and multiple sclerosis-related pain". Current Medical Research and Opinion 23 (1): 17–24. January 2007. doi:10.1185/030079906X158066. PMID 17257464. 
  163. "Sativex for the management of multiple sclerosis symptoms". Issues in Emerging Health Technologies (72): 1–4. September 2005. PMID 16317825. 
  164. "Long-term use of a cannabis-based medicine in the treatment of spasticity and other symptoms in multiple sclerosis". Multiple Sclerosis 12 (5): 639–45. October 2006. doi:10.1177/1352458505070618. PMID 17086911. 
  165. "Non-pharmacological interventions for chronic pain in multiple sclerosis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 12 (12): CD012622. December 2018. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012622.pub2. PMID 30567012. 
  166. "Update on multiple sclerosis rehabilitation". Journal of Neurovirology 6 (Suppl 2): S179-85. May 2000. PMID 10871810. 
  167. "Endocannabinoids in Multiple Sclerosis and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis". Endocannabinoids. Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology. 231. 2015. pp. 213–31. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-20825-1_7. ISBN 978-3-319-20824-4. 
  168. "Baclofen". 19 March 2020. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682530.html. 
  169. "Dantrolene". 19 March 2020. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682576.html. 
  170. "Diazepam". 19 March 2020. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682047.html. 
  171. "Tizanidine". 19 March 2020. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601121.html. 
  172. "Treatments for spasticity and pain in multiple sclerosis: a systematic review". Health Technology Assessment 7 (40): iii, ix-x, 1–111. 2003. doi:10.3310/hta7400. PMID 14636486. 
  173. "Clinical effectiveness of oral treatments for spasticity in multiple sclerosis: a systematic review". Multiple Sclerosis 8 (4): 319–29. August 2002. doi:10.1191/1352458502ms795rr. PMID 12166503. 
  174. "Long-term intrathecal baclofen therapy in patients with intractable spasticity". The Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences 22 (3): 208–17. August 1995. doi:10.1017/S031716710003986X. PMID 8529173. 
  175. 175.0 175.1 "Non pharmacological interventions for spasticity in multiple sclerosis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2): CD009974. February 2013. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009974.pub2. PMID 23450612. 
  176. "Treatment of abnormal eye movements that impair vision: strategies based on current concepts of physiology and pharmacology". Annals of Neurology 36 (2): 129–41. August 1994. doi:10.1002/ana.410360204. PMID 8053648. 
  177. "Drug therapy for acquired pendular nystagmus in multiple sclerosis". Journal of Neurology 244 (1): 9–16. January 1997. doi:10.1007/PL00007728. PMID 9007739. 
  178. "Therapeutic external ophthalmoplegia with bilateral retrobulbar botulinum toxin- an effective treatment for acquired nystagmus with oscillopsia". Eye 16 (6): 804–6. November 2002. doi:10.1038/sj.eye.6700167. PMID 12439689. 
  179. "Combined pharmacologic and surgical approach to acquired nystagmus due to multiple sclerosis". American Journal of Ophthalmology 134 (5): 780–2. November 2002. doi:10.1016/S0002-9394(02)01629-X. PMID 12429265. 
  180. "Dalfampridine: a medication to improve walking in patients with multiple sclerosis". The Annals of Pharmacotherapy 46 (7–8): 1010–5. Jul–Aug 2012. doi:10.1345/aph.1Q714. PMID 22764324. 
  181. "Respiratory muscle training for multiple sclerosis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2017 (12): CD009424. December 2017. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009424.pub2. PMID 29267988. 
  182. "Treatment of seizures in multiple sclerosis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2009 (3): CD007150. July 2009. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007150.pub2. PMID 19588420. 
  183. "Emerging therapies for relapsing multiple sclerosis". Archives of Neurology 66 (7): 821–8. July 2009. doi:10.1001/archneurol.2009.104. PMID 19597083. 
  184. 184.0 184.1 184.2 184.3 184.4 "Multiple sclerosis: where will we be in 2020?". The Mount Sinai Journal of Medicine, New York 78 (2): 268–79. 2011. doi:10.1002/msj.20242. PMID 21425270. 
  185. Jeffrey, Susan (9 August 2012). "CONCERTO: A Third Phase 3 Trial for Laquinimod in MS". Medscape Medical News. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/768902. 
  186. "Laquinimod for multiple sclerosis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (8): CD010475. August 2013. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010475.pub2. PMID 23922214. 
  187. "PEGylation of interferon-β-1a: a promising strategy in multiple sclerosis". CNS Drugs 26 (3): 205–14. March 2012. doi:10.2165/11596970-000000000-00000. PMID 22201341. 
  188. Biogen Idec (24 January 2013). "Biogen Idec Announces Positive Top-Line Results from Phase 3 Study of Peginterferon Beta-1a in Multiple Sclerosis-Press release". http://www.biogenidec.com/press_release_details.aspx?ID=5981&ReqId=1777510. 
  189. Biogen Idec (15 August 2014). "Biogen Idec's Plegridy approved in the US for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis" (Press release). Archived from the original on 2 November 2014. Retrieved 1 November 2014.
  190. "Mycophenolate mofetil for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2): CD010242. February 2014. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010242.pub2. PMID 24505016. 
  191. "Rituximab for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (12): CD009130. December 2013. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009130.pub3. PMID 24310855. 
  192. "New and emerging disease modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis". Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 1247 (1): 117–37. January 2012. doi:10.1111/j.1749-6632.2011.06272.x. PMID 22224673. Bibcode2012NYASA1247..117S. 
  193. 193.0 193.1 193.2 193.3 "Combination therapy in multiple sclerosis". Journal of Neuroimmunology 231 (1–2): 23–31. February 2011. doi:10.1016/j.jneuroim.2010.10.021. PMID 21111490. 
  194. "Sodium channel blockers for neuroprotection in multiple sclerosis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2015 (10): CD010422. October 2015. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010422.pub2. PMID 26486929. 
  195. "An Initiative to Reduce Unnecessary Gadolinium-Based Contrast in Multiple Sclerosis Patients". Journal of the American College of Radiology 16 (9 Pt A): 1158–1164. September 2019. doi:10.1016/j.jacr.2019.04.005. PMID 31092348. 
  196. "Imaging biomarkers in multiple sclerosis". Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging 31 (4): 770–88. April 2010. doi:10.1002/jmri.22102. PMID 20373420. 
  197. "Neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis: novel treatment strategies". Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics 12 (9): 1061–76; quiz 1077. September 2012. doi:10.1586/ern.12.59. PMID 23039386. 
  198. Walsh, Fergus (18 March 2018). "Stem cell transplant 'game changer' for MS patients". BBC News. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-43435868. 
  199. "Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency in patients with multiple sclerosis". Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry 80 (4): 392–9. April 2009. doi:10.1136/jnnp.2008.157164. PMID 19060024. 
  200. "Media, politics and science policy: MS and evidence from the CCSVI Trenches". BMC Medical Ethics 14: 6. February 2013. doi:10.1186/1472-6939-14-6. PMID 23402260. 
  201. 201.0 201.1 "Venous abnormalities and multiple sclerosis: another breakthrough claim?". The Lancet. Neurology 9 (5): 464–5. May 2010. doi:10.1016/S1474-4422(10)70098-3. PMID 20398855. 
  202. 202.0 202.1 "Chronic cerebro-spinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) and multiple sclerosis". Neurological Sciences 32 (1): 17–21. February 2011. doi:10.1007/s10072-010-0458-3. PMID 21161309. 
  203. "Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency and the doubtful promise of an endovascular treatment for multiple sclerosis". Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery 2 (4): 309–11. December 2010. doi:10.1136/jnis.2010.003947. PMID 21990639. 
  204. "Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency and multiple sclerosis". Annals of Neurology 67 (3): 286–90. March 2010. doi:10.1002/ana.22001. PMID 20373339. 
  205. 205.0 205.1 205.2 205.3 205.4 205.5 205.6 "A review of the evidence for efficacy of complementary and alternative medicines in MS". International MS Journal 13 (1): 5–12, 4. January 2006. PMID 16420779. 
  206. "A review of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by people with multiple sclerosis". Occupational Therapy International 16 (1): 57–70. 2009. doi:10.1002/oti.266. PMID 19222053. 
  207. "Dietary interventions for multiple sclerosis-related outcomes". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2020 (5): CD004192. May 2020. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD004192.pub4. PMID 32428983. 
  208. "Contribution of vitamin D insufficiency to the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis". Therapeutic Advances in Neurological Disorders 6 (2): 81–116. March 2013. doi:10.1177/1756285612473513. PMID 23483715. 
  209. "Vitamin D for the management of multiple sclerosis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 9 (9): CD008422. September 2018. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008422.pub3. PMID 30246874. 
  210. "Complementary and alternative medicine for the treatment of multiple sclerosis". Expert Review of Clinical Immunology 6 (3): 381–95. May 2010. doi:10.1586/eci.10.12. PMID 20441425. 
  211. Ben-Zacharia, Aliza (April 2016). "The Effect of Modifiable Risk Factors on Multiple Sclerosis Progression". Neurology 86 (16 Supplement): 387. http://www.neurology.org/content/86/16_Supplement/P1.387.short. 
  212. "Cannabis use in patients with multiple sclerosis". Multiple Sclerosis 12 (5): 646–51. October 2006. doi:10.1177/1352458506070947. PMID 17086912. 
  213. "Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for multiple sclerosis". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2011 (1): CD003057. 2004. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003057.pub2. PMID 14974004. 

Further reading

Clinical guidelines: clinical guidelines are documents with the aim of guiding decisions and criteria in specific areas of healthcare, as defined by an authoritative examination of current evidence (evidence-based medicine).