Pharmacotherapy of multiple sclerosis: current status

ABSTRACT

Pharmacotherapy plays an important part in the overall management of patients with multiple sclerosis. Most therapies directed at altering the natural history of the underlying disease process are only partially effective or are controversial or experimental. However, many effective symptomatic therapies are available to the clinician. The action and uses of corticosteroids in multiple sclerosis are discussed, and approaches to the treatment of spasticity, paroxysmal disorders, bladder dysfunction, cerebellar ataxia, neurobehavioral manifestations, fatigue, and acute and chronic pain in patients with multiple sclerosis are examined.