MS is caused by damage to myelin – which protects the nerves in the brain, spinal cord and optic nerve. There are a wide range of disease-modifying therapies (also known as immunotherapies) available for people living with MS in Australia.
Disease-modifying therapies are used to slow down the progression of MS by protecting the nerves from further damage. These treatments are used to treat relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) and secondary progressive MS (SPMS). Without treatment, RRMS and SPMS can get worse.
Each medication has different side effects and risks and not all treatments are suitable for everyone. The decision of which treatment is right for you is a complex choice and it is important that people feel they have been offered the right information and choice.