The New Era of MS Care: Treatments and Tools Transforming the Future

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) affects nearly 1 million people in the United States, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS). For decades, MS was widely believed to lead inevitably to disability. Today, breakthroughs in treatment, diagnostics, and whole‑person care are offering patients far more hope and control than ever before.

MS is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves, disrupting communication between the brain and the body. While many associate MS with physical disability, the reality is far more individualized.

“MS is highly individualized, but the underpinnings are that it's a central nervous system disease,” says Dr. Ann Cabot, neurologist and MS specialist at The Elliot “This affects the brain, the spinal cord, and the optic nerves.”

Most people are diagnosed between ages 20 and 50, and women are two to three times more likely to develop MS than men, per the NMSS. While there is currently no cure, the last two decades have brought dramatic progress in slowing disease activity, reducing relapses, and improving long‑term outcomes.

How MS Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis typically follows the McDonald criteria, which includes medical history, neurological examination, MRI imaging, and laboratory testing. The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) notes that MRI is one of the most sensitive tools available for detecting MS lesions, identifying abnormalities in over 90% of patients with clinically confirmed MS.

Once diagnosed, patients often begin with intravenous steroids to manage acute symptoms. From there, neurologists create individualized treatment plans centered around disease‑modifying therapies (DMTs).

“When I started treating patients, I only had a handful of treatments, and now we have over 20,” Cabot says. “All these treatments have different ways they act on the immune system, side effects, benefits, and risks.”

High‑efficacy therapies, including natalizumab and B‑cell therapies, have been shown to reduce new inflammatory MS lesions by more than 90%, with substantial reductions in relapse rates according to the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry.

“Research has exploded over the last few decades,” Cabot says. “It’s been a really exciting time to work in this field.”

Whole‑Person Care at The Elliot

At Elliot’s Neurological Specialties clinic in Manchester, NH, MS care extends far beyond medication. The team combines medical treatment with holistic, multidisciplinary support.

“My passion is really treating the whole patient, not just to get this disease in check,” Cabot says. “Symptoms are very variable. We utilize a whole lot of physical therapy, physiatrists, and other specialists.”

Lifestyle factors play a major role in symptom management. The National MS Society reports that regular exercise can reduce MS‑related fatigue by up to 30%, while smoking is associated with faster disease progression.

“We know one of the biggest symptoms for patients with MS is fatigue, and we know that exercise can significantly improve a patient’s fatigue,” Cabot says. “We just have to figure out an exercise program that works for them.”

What’s Next in MS Care

Even when MRIs remain stable, some patients experience gradual symptom progression. New tools are helping clinicians track these changes earlier and more precisely.

Researchers are increasingly turning to biomarkers such as neurofilament light chain (NfL) and GFAP, which JAMA Neurology notes can detect subtle neurological changes, sometimes months before MRI scans show new activity.

“There’s no single perfect tool available yet, but these biomarkers have been extremely helpful,” Cabot says. “I still feel like we're a little bit in our infancy.”

Another major area of research is remyelination, which focuses on repairing damaged myelin rather than only suppressing immune activity. The MS International Federation (MSIF) reports that dozens of clinical trials are currently underway exploring remyelination strategies, including combination therapies and repurposed medications.

“Some of the early studies were really exciting, but didn’t seem to pan out yet,” Cabot says. “I’m still very optimistic they will be able to find that.”

Support Beyond Medication

Living with a lifelong neurological condition can feel overwhelming, but patients today have more tools, therapies, and support systems than ever before. When high‑efficacy treatments are paired with wellness services, such as support groups, nutrition counseling, and physical therapy, patients can build a comprehensive plan tailored to their needs.

A major shift in MS care is the emphasis on quality of life, not just disease control.

“Do I have a magic wand? No, but at least we can point our patients in the right direction toward resources that can be very beneficial,” Cabot says. “We're really lucky at The Elliot, because we have so many resources for the patients that they can utilize to help with their wellness.”

As research accelerates and therapies evolve, Dr. Cabot emphasizes one message: MS is a lifelong condition, but it does not have to define your life. With the right tools, team, and support, people with MS can continue to live fully and thrive.

If you or a loved one is living with MS, The Elliot’s Neurological Specialties team is here to help. Learn more at ElliotHospital.org/MS