From the Research
Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Exacerbation
The treatment for MS exacerbation typically involves the use of glucocorticoids, which have anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties 1. The goal of treatment is to hasten recovery from an acute MS flare, although it may not alter the final degree of recovery from the MS attack.
Treatment Options
- Glucocorticoids: A brief treatment regimen (~2 weeks) of glucocorticoids can hasten recovery from an acute MS flare and is generally well-tolerated 1.
- Repository Corticotropin Injection (RCI): RCI has been shown to be a cost-effective alternative treatment for MS relapses compared to plasmapheresis (PMP) and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) 2.
- Disease-Modifying Therapies (DMTs): DMTs, such as beta-interferons, fingolimod, glatiramer acetate, mitoxantrone, and natalizumab, can reduce the frequency and severity of relapses, but are not typically used to treat acute exacerbations 3, 4.
Administration and Duration of Treatment
- The optimal route of administration, dose, and duration of treatment for glucocorticoids have not been firmly established, and treatment regimens often vary based on personal experience and theoretic considerations 1.
- High-dose intravenous methylprednisolone for the first 3 days, followed by an 11-day course of low-dose oral prednisone, has been shown to be effective in treating optic neuritis, a common symptom of MS 1.