What is the treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS)?

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No one chooses to have MS. But you can choose how to manage it.

Our understanding of MS and how it progresses has increased substantially, since the first MS treatment was introduced around 30 years ago.1

Now, there are more treatment options than ever before.2

The outlook for MS patients is a lot more positive than it was 20–30 years ago, and this is because of the treatment options now available.

Mike

Living with MS since 2014
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I was aware of the effect MS was having on my body, so once there was a treatment available to me, I was going to take it.

Katie

Living with MS since 2016
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It was important for me to start treatment as soon as possible, and this was something my doctor encouraged.

Mike

Living with MS since 2014
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When considering how to manage your MS, now is the time for action. MS progresses right from the start, even if you don’t experience new symptoms.3,4 So, the sooner treatment is started, the sooner you can slow down disease progression3 and manage your MS in a way that suits you .

Your experience of MS is unique to you. So, when considering your options, think about your lifestyle and what you want to achieve now, and in the years to come.1

First, take some time to learn more about the treatment approaches and types of treatment available to you, then decide with your healthcare team what would work best to help you face your MS head on.

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Stay ahead of your MS. Slow progression from the start.

Starting treatment as soon as possible after an MS diagnosis can help slow down the activity of the disease and delay the long-term worsening of symptoms.3 The latest research shows us that early action is the most effective treatment approach.4

This interactive graph* shows how the worsening of MS symptoms can be slowed down when treatment is started soon after diagnosis compared to delaying treatment.

*Adapted from the figure included in the ‘Brain health: time matters in multiple sclerosis’ report3

Early Treatment

If treatment is started at diagnosis, or shortly afterwards, it can help to slow down disease progression and delay the worsening of symptoms.3
Talk to your healthcare team about a treatment plan to help slow down disease progression from the start, and reduce the impact MS has on your life – now and in the future.
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Treatment started later

If treatment is started at diagnosis, or shortly afterwards, it can help to slow down disease progression and delay the worsening of symptoms.3
Talk to your healthcare team about a treatment plan to help slow down disease progression from the start, and reduce the impact MS has on your life – now and in the future.
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The following links will help you to learn more about underlying disease progression and the importance of early treatment:

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Find information to help you make more informed decisions about your disease management.
/content/the-ms-resistance/ro/ro/treatment-options
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We know more about MS than ever before. Now you can learn more about it, too.

Get the latest research and learnings, to help get on top of your MS.
Learn more about MS.
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MS can change your life. But it doesn’t have to define it.

Now you know how to manage your MS, we have lots of tools and tips to help you to carry on living with it.
More on Living with MS
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  1. Paty DW, et al. Neurology. 1993;43:662–7.
  2. MS Society. Treatments and therapies. https://www.mssociety.org.uk/about-ms/treatments-and-therapies [accessed June 2020].
  3. Giovannoni G, et al. Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2016;9(Suppl 1):S5–48.
  4. Stankiewicz JM, et al. Neurol Neuroimmunol Neuroinflamm. 2020;7:e636.
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