Symptomatic management in multiple sclerosis

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Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla
08:51

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla

Published on: February 19, 2021

Lawrence M Samkoff1, Andrew D Goodman

  • 1Department of Neurology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA.

Neurologic Clinics
|March 29, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Immunomodulatory therapies for multiple sclerosis (MS) alter disease but don't prevent axonal injury. Symptom management is crucial for improving quality of life in MS patients.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS) treatments have evolved, significantly impacting disease progression.
  • Current immunomodulatory therapies reduce relapses and MRI activity but are insufficient to halt irreversible axonal injury.
  • Axonal damage contributes substantially to the symptomatic burden and reduced quality of life in MS patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current strategies for managing symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis.
  • To highlight the importance of symptom management in comprehensive MS care.
  • To discuss how symptom management can enhance patient quality of life.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of immunomodulatory therapies for MS.
  • Analysis of the impact of these therapies on disease activity and axonal injury.
  • Review of established and emerging symptom management strategies for MS.
  • Evaluation of the role of symptom management in patient quality of life.

Main Results:

  • Immunomodulatory therapies effectively reduce relapse rates and MRI-defined disease activity in MS.
  • These therapies do not prevent or reverse the axonal injury central to MS symptomatology.
  • Symptom management strategies are essential for addressing the daily challenges faced by MS patients.
  • Effective symptom management significantly improves quality of life for individuals with MS.

Conclusions:

  • While disease-modifying treatments are vital, they do not fully address the symptomatic burden of MS.
  • Comprehensive care for MS must prioritize robust symptom management strategies.
  • Optimizing symptom management offers a significant opportunity to enhance the quality of life for MS patients.

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