Choosing an MS treatment is one of the hardest conversations people have with their care team, and it is made harder by unfamiliar vocabulary — disease-modifying therapies, high-efficacy versus escalation approaches, infusions versus pills. These terms describe the overall strategy, not brand-name drugs. Knowing them makes treatment conversations and trade-offs easier to follow.
6 terms in this topic
Disease-Modifying Therapy (DMT)
Disease-modifying therapies are medications designed to change the long-term course of MS. They work by calming the immune system so it causes less damage to nerves over time. DMTs...
High-Efficacy DMT
High-efficacy DMTs are disease-modifying therapies that tend to reduce relapses and new MRI activity more strongly than older options. Examples include medications like ocrelizumab...
Escalation Therapy
Escalation therapy is a treatment approach where a person starts on a lower-intensity DMT and switches to a stronger one if MS stays active. The idea is to match the medication to ...
Infusion Therapy
Infusion therapy is medication given slowly through a vein, usually at a clinic or infusion center. Several MS DMTs are given this way, on schedules that can range from once a mont...
Steroid Treatment
Steroid treatment uses high doses of corticosteroids, often methylprednisolone, to calm down the inflammation during an MS relapse. It can be given by IV or as pills over a few day...
Symptom Management
Symptom management is the part of MS care that focuses on how you feel day to day, rather than on the underlying disease. It can include medications, physical therapy, occupational...
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Reviewed by the MS Buddy editorial team. Not medical advice — always consult your care team.