What is the treatment of choice for an acute multiple sclerosis flare?

What is the treatment of choice for an acute multiple sclerosis flare?

• A. Interferon Beta
• B. Glatiramer Acetate
• C. Fingolimod
• D. Corticosteroids

Answer: (D)

During an acute MS flare, the goal is to rapidly reduce CNS inflammation to shorten the episode and hasten recovery. High-dose corticosteroids achieve this anti-inflammatory effect and are the treatment of choice. The typical approach is intravenous methylprednisolone, about 1 g daily for 3 to 5 days; if IV therapy isn’t feasible or the flare is milder, a short course of high-dose oral prednisone (for example, 1 mg/kg per day, usually 3–7 days) can be used. These steroids help speed up symptom resolution but do not alter the long-term course of the disease or reduce future relapse risk. Interferon beta, glatiramer acetate, and fingolimod are disease-modifying therapies aimed at reducing relapse rates and slowing progression over time. They are not the primary treatment for an acute flare, though they may be continued or started for long-term control alongside acute management. Side effects of short-term high-dose steroids can include insomnia, mood changes, elevated blood glucose, and fluid retention, but these are generally manageable with a brief course.

During an acute MS flare, the goal is to rapidly reduce CNS inflammation to shorten the episode and hasten recovery. High-dose corticosteroids achieve this anti-inflammatory effect and are the treatment of choice. The typical approach is intravenous methylprednisolone, about 1 g daily for 3 to 5 days; if IV therapy isn’t feasible or the flare is milder, a short course of high-dose oral prednisone (for example, 1 mg/kg per day, usually 3–7 days) can be used. These steroids help speed up symptom resolution but do not alter the long-term course of the disease or reduce future relapse risk.

Interferon beta, glatiramer acetate, and fingolimod are disease-modifying therapies aimed at reducing relapse rates and slowing progression over time. They are not the primary treatment for an acute flare, though they may be continued or started for long-term control alongside acute management.

Side effects of short-term high-dose steroids can include insomnia, mood changes, elevated blood glucose, and fluid retention, but these are generally manageable with a brief course.