Multiple sclerosis: a supplement on the disease state, current therapies, and investigational treatments

Multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disorder causing the destruction of the impulse carrying myelin sheath of neurons, can be a debilitating and disabling disease. Symptomatic treatment has provided patients with relief through the use of antispasmodics, anticholinergics, and antidepressants, just to name a few, as well as disease treatment by decreasing progression of the illness by treating acute episodes through the use of corticosteroids, interferons, plasmapheresis, and other immunomodulators like glatiramer, mitoxantrone, and natalizumab. With medical advancements and the development of new treatments such as laquinimod, fampridine-SR, and several others, the future looks promising for those living with this illness.