Not all MS attacks require treatment but when they are severe enough to cause a disability treatment with certain medications (corticosteroids) will speed the recovery. Ultimately the degree of recovery from an attack is unchanged with corticosteroids: only the rate of improvement is affected. Therefore we usually reserve treatment for more severe attacks.

The most effective medication for treating acute MS attacks is solumedrol in high doses. This has usually been done as an IV infusion over 2-3 days but sometimes can be done with an oral treatment regimen.

Solumedrol is usually pretty well tolerated but can have side effects of agitation, headache, and insomnia.

If you have an attack which seems significant enough to consider treatment, contact me right away to discuss it.