Multiple sclerosis, commonly known as MS, is a chronic neurological condition that affects nearly 1 million people in the United States. While receiving an MS diagnosis can feel overwhelming, advances in treatment have given patients more options than ever for managing the disease and maintaining their quality of life.

Understanding what MS is and what is happening inside the body is an important first step.

At Springside Infusion, we work with neurologists and their patients to provide prescribed infusion therapies for MS in a comfortable outpatient setting.

What Is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis is a disease involving the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves.

Normally, nerve fibers are protected by a substance called myelin. You can think of myelin somewhat like the protective coating around an electrical wire — it helps signals travel efficiently between the brain and the rest of the body.

With MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks myelin and causes inflammation.

The resulting damage can disrupt communication between the brain and other parts of the body, producing a wide range of neurological symptoms.

What Are the Symptoms of MS?

MS can look very different from one person to another.

Symptoms depend partly on which areas of the central nervous system are affected and may include:

• Numbness or tingling
• Muscle weakness
• Difficulty walking
• Balance or coordination problems
• Muscle stiffness or spasms
• Blurred or double vision
• Changes in bladder or bowel function
• Problems with concentration or memory

Symptoms may be mild for some people and significantly affect daily activities for others.

They can also change throughout the course of the disease.

What Is an MS Relapse?

Some people with MS experience relapses, sometimes called attacks, exacerbations, or flare-ups.

During a relapse, new neurological symptoms may develop or previous symptoms may become significantly worse.

Symptoms can then partially or completely improve during a period of remission.

Preventing or reducing these relapses is one of the major goals of many MS treatments.

Are There Different Types of MS?

Yes. MS doesn't progress the same way for everyone.

Relapsing-Remitting MS

Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is characterized by episodes of new or worsening symptoms followed by periods of partial or complete recovery.

It is the most common disease course at the time of initial diagnosis.

Secondary Progressive MS

Some patients who initially have relapsing-remitting MS may eventually develop secondary progressive MS (SPMS), in which neurological function gradually worsens over time.

Primary Progressive MS

With primary progressive MS (PPMS), neurological function gradually worsens from the beginning of the disease rather than following a typical pattern of distinct relapses and remissions.

Understanding the type and activity of MS helps neurologists determine an appropriate treatment strategy.

How Is Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosed?

There isn't one single test that diagnoses MS.

Neurologists typically use several pieces of information, which may include:

• Medical history
• Neurological examination
• MRI imaging of the brain and spinal cord
• Blood testing to rule out other conditions
• Lumbar puncture in certain cases
• Additional neurological testing when appropriate

MRI imaging is particularly important because it can identify areas of inflammation or damage within the central nervous system.

How Is MS Treated?

There is currently no cure for multiple sclerosis, but treatment has advanced significantly.

Medications known as disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) can help reduce disease activity and, depending on the therapy and type of MS, may reduce relapses and slow disability progression.

DMTs are available in several forms, including:

• Oral medications
• Self-administered injections
• Intravenous infusions

The right treatment depends on the type and activity of MS, previous therapies, other health conditions, lifestyle considerations, and your neurologist's recommendations.

What Infusion Treatments Are Available for MS?

Several disease-modifying therapies are administered by IV infusion.

Depending on the patient's diagnosis and treatment plan, these may include medications such as:

• Ocrevus (ocrelizumab)
• Briumvi (ublituximab-xiiy)
• Tysabri (natalizumab)
• Other physician-prescribed infusion therapies when clinically appropriate

These medications work in different ways, so treatment selection should always be individualized by a neurologist.

Living With MS

An MS diagnosis doesn't define a person or automatically determine what the future will look like.

Many people with MS continue to work, exercise, travel, raise families, and maintain active lives.

Regular neurological care, appropriate treatment, healthy lifestyle choices, and ongoing monitoring can all play important roles in managing the disease.

Supporting Your MS Treatment Journey

For patients whose neurologist recommends infusion therapy, the treatment environment can become an important part of ongoing care.

At Springside Infusion, we work closely with referring neurologists to provide prescribed MS therapies while helping coordinate insurance requirements, scheduling, and treatment.

Our goal is to make receiving ongoing infusion therapy as comfortable and convenient as possible so patients can spend less time worrying about treatment logistics and more time living their lives.

If your neurologist has prescribed an infusion treatment for multiple sclerosis, contact Springside Infusion to learn whether our outpatient infusion center may be an option for your care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is multiple sclerosis an autoimmune disease?

MS is considered an immune-mediated disease in which the immune system attacks components of the central nervous system, including myelin.

Is MS hereditary?

MS is not considered directly inherited in the way some genetic diseases are. However, genetics can contribute to a person's susceptibility, along with environmental and other factors.

Can MS be cured?

There is currently no cure for MS. However, modern disease-modifying therapies can help control disease activity, reduce relapses, and slow progression for many patients.

Does everyone with MS need infusion therapy?

No. MS treatments include oral medications, injections, and infusions. Your neurologist will recommend treatment based on your specific type of MS, disease activity, medical history, and individual needs.