Multiple sclerosis, often abbreviated to MS, is a condition where the immune system attacks the covering around nerve cells in the body. This covering, called myelin, protects nerve cells from damage. Without it, nerves in the body, brain and spinal cord become damaged and the brain can no longer relay signals effectively. The cause of MS is unknown, but it’s suspected certain genes and smoking, as well as some viral infections, make the development of MS more likely.

Symptoms of MS usually start between 20-40 years of age and include difficulty walking, tiredness, weakened muscles, muscle spasms, vision problems, tingling or numbness, depression, pain and difficulty remembering or focusing on tasks. Although there is no cure for MS, there are treatments available for managing MS symptoms, such as:

1. Fingolimod
The immune system is comprised of multiple cells that help the body to combat infections. However, in MS patients the T and B cells in the immune system malfunction and attack healthy myelin in the brain and spinal cord. Fingolimod helps those with recurring MS symptoms by keeping these cells in check and not allowing them to leave lymph nodes spread throughout the body. This keeps them from damaging healthy myelin. The side effects from taking Fingolimod include coughing, headaches, tiredness, diarrhea, back pain and elevated risk of picking up viral infections like the flu. A more serious side effect is PML, or progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. PML is a brain infection that occurs very rarely in those taking the medication for MS. This medication is taken orally, typically once a day.

2. Dimethyl Fumarate
Dimethyl Fumarate is an immune system suppressant. More specifically, this medication suppresses the T cells present in the immune system. It does this by attaching itself to various proteins present within T cells. This medicinal interaction prevents T cell activation and in turn prevents T cells from entering the brain and spinal cord of recurring MS symptoms in patients. The side effects of this medication include allergic reaction, liver damage, a decreased count of white blood cells and PML. The medication is taken orally once a day.

3. Teriflunomide
How teriflunomide works is not completely understood by doctors and pharmacology. Studies are still ongoing to determine the exact methods this medication is effective. However, medical professionals suspect that it relieves inflammation. They also think that this drug may suppress the immune system and its ability to react and release cells from lymph nodes. The medication also prevents T cells from reaching the brain and spinal cord where they can cause damage to nerve cells in patients with recurring symptoms of MS. The medication is taken orally once a day. Side effects include upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, headaches and thinning hair. Patients are also more likely to contract colds, develop cold sores or develop infections of the urinary tract and respiratory system.

4. Siponimod
Siponimod is used in the same way as Fingolimod. Like the counterpart, this medication keeps T cells from leaving lymph nodes and entering the body by attaching itself to proteins on the T cells. This medication is taken orally usually once a day. The side effects of taking this medication include a low white blood cell count, escalated levels of enzymes in the liver, a slower heart rate, swelling behind the eye, rise in blood pressure and seizures.