Symptomatic therapy in multiple sclerosis: a review for a multimodal approach in clinical practice

Abstract

As more investigations into factors affecting the quality of life of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are undertaken, it is becoming increasingly apparent that certain comorbidities and associated symptoms commonly found in these patients differ in incidence, pathophysiology and other factors compared with the general population. Many of these MS-related symptoms are frequently ignored in assessments of disease status and are often not considered to be associated with the disease. Research into how such comorbidities and symptoms can be diagnosed and treated within the MS population is lacking. This information gap adds further complexity to disease management and represents an unmet need in MS, particularly as early recognition and treatment of these conditions can improve patient outcomes. In this manuscript, we sought to review the literature on the comorbidities and symptoms of MS and to summarize the evidence for treatments that have been or may be used to alleviate them.

Walking impairment in patients with multiple sclerosis – a new therapeutic approach and clinical potential of dalfampridine extended release tablets

“…23 For many of the symptoms and disabilities present in patients with MS, pharmacologic therapies have been available and are recommended as part of a comprehensive approach to disease management. [24][25][26][27] While assistive devices and various forms of physical therapy have been used to ameliorate the effects of walking impairment, only recently has the first pharmacologic therapy specifically targeting this disability become available. In January 2010, dalfampridine extended release tablets (dalfampridine-ER [AMPYRA ® ]; prolonged-, modified, or sustained-release fampridine [FAMPYRA ® ] in some countries), 10 mg to be administered twice daily approximately 12 hours apart, were approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.…”

A Pooled Analysis of Two Phase 3 Clinical Trials of Dalfampridine in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

“…[1][2][3][4] Although a variety of drugs have been used for some of the common symptoms of MS-spasticity, neuropathic pain, fatigue, neurogenic bowel and bladder, depression-a pharmacologic therapy has been recently approved for patients with walking impairment.…”

Present and Future Therapies in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders

“…In this review, we will discuss present and future immunotherapies for NMOSD. For symptomatic treatments, which are similar to those applied in MS, we refer to respective reviews [30,31].…”