Multiple sklerose

Abstract

About 120,000 individuals in Germany suffer from multiple sclerosis (MS). First symptoms normally occur between the age of 25 and 35 and as life expectancy is normal, patients need treatment for decades. MS can be treated effectively. Beta-Interferons, glatirameracetate and intravenous immunoglobulins could show significant beneficial effects concerning relapse rate, progression of disability and in magnetic resonance imaging parameters in patients with relapsing-remitting MS. Beta-interferons have some effect in secondary chronic progressive MS, mitoxantrone could prove efficacy in different studies, intravenous immunoglobulins are currently being tested for this subgroup of patients. Trials for drug treatment of primary chronic progressive MS are under way. MS »never sleeps«, therefore patients with relapsing remitting course of the disease with active disease should be treated early, often after the first relapse. Disability, handicaps and quality of life can be improved with different effective pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies.