Although there are no cures for any demyelinating diseases, there are many treatments and therapies to fight the symptoms. In some cases, patients remain symptom-free following these treatments and therapies. Because different demyelinating diseases affect different parts of the body, they also require different kinds of treatments. Use the green links below to get more information on the various kinds of treatments.
Multiple Sclerosis
For patients with MS, there are currently four different injected medications (Avonex, Rebif, Betaseron and Copaxone) and two different types of medications given by IV (Novantrone and Tysabri) that are designed to prolong the time between relapses and decrease the severity of the relapses. These medication differ on how often the patient has to get the shot or infusion. Also, none of these medications are yet approved for use in patients under 18 years, although CPODD doctors and other MS experts may prescribe these medications "off-label" to kids with MS because it is the only available treatment. But the good news is that there are many pill medications that are currently being tested for effectiveness in treating MS. We also hope that all MS therapies will be tested for safety and effectiveness in children with MS. For more information, check out our Comparison of MS Therapies and our MS Links.
Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM)
ADEM is often treated with high-dose steroids, which are administered through a patient's veins. The steroid medication reduces the inflammation in the brain and/or spinal cord. For more information, check out our ADEM Links.
Optic Neuritis
Symptoms of optic neuritis can include pain with eye movement, loss of vision in one or both eyes, or loss of color vision. Optic neuritis will usually improve on its own with time or it can be treated with high-dose steroids to reduce the inflammation in the optic nerve and hasten recovery. Sometimes other treatments, such as IVIG and plasmapheresis, are also used. For more information, check out our Optic Neuritis Links.
Transverse Myelitis
Symptoms of transverse myelitis can include numbness or weakness in the arms and/or legs. Bladder problems, such as loss of bladder control or inability to urinate, are also common. High-dose steroids can be used to reduce the inflammation of the spinal cord. Physical therapy is often used to help patients regain their use of body movement. For more information, check out our Transverse Myelitis Links.
Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) or Devic's Disease
Patients with Devic's Disease or NMO typically have both optic neuritis and tranverse myelitis. Attacks of optic neuritis and transverse myelitis are often treated with high-dose steroids, but IVIG or plasmapheresis may also be used. To prevent future attacks, many immune suppressive therapies may be used, such as Prednisone, Imuran (azathioprine), Cell-cept (mycophenolate), or Rituxan (retuximab). For more information, check out our Devic's Links.