Multiple Sclerosis - MS LifeLines
Newly Diagnosed FAQs
The Path to Diagnosis
Thinking about Treatment
Living with MS
The Path to Diagnosis
Q: How is MS diagnosed?
Usually the first clues leading to a diagnosis of MS are the symptoms you describe to your doctor, combined with a careful review of your medical history. Most of the time this leads to a thorough neurological examination, and will probably include MRI* scans of the central nervous system and other tests. MRI scans, or magnetic resonance imaging, are safe and painless, and can show the location and size of lesions to help doctors assess the overall damage caused by MS.
*The exact correlation between MRI findings and the current or future clinical status of patients, including disability progression, is unknown.
Important Rebif safety information
Q: What is an MRI scan?
In MS, an MRI* (magnetic resonance imaging) is used to take detailed pictures of the brain and spinal cord. MRI scans show the amount of water in tissues. Since MS lesions have higher-than-normal water content, they appear in these detailed pictures of the central nervous system showing the areas of damage. Lesions may cause MS symptoms. How your symptoms affect you depend on where the lesions form in the brain and spinal cord. The more lesions you have, the more damage may occur. The more damage, the higher your risk of disability.
*The exact correlation between MRI findings and the current or future clinical status of patients, including disability progression, is unknown.
Important Rebif safety information
Q: What other tests are used to diagnose MS?
In addition to MRI* scans, other common laboratory tests used to diagnose MS are spinal tap (to detect abnormal proteins or other substances within the cerebral spinal fluid, and evoked potentials (to measure the speed of nervous system transmissions that may indicate damage due to MS).
*The exact correlation between MRI findings and the current or future clinical status of patients, including disability progression, is unknown.
Important Rebif safety information
Q: How often should I have an MRI scan?
MRI* scans are an important part of managing and treating MS. A regular (for example, annual MRI) can help you and your doctor monitor the progression of your disease and how well your treatment is working. For example, if you are taking a medication and your MRI scan shows an increase in lesion activity, you and your doctor may want to consider another treatment option for you. Ask your doctor when you should have your next MRI scan.
*The exact correlation between MRI findings and the current or future clinical status of patients, including disability progression, is unknown.
Important Rebif safety information
Q: What are relapses? How do I know if I am having one?
A relapse or exacerbation is any worsening of old symptoms or appearance of a new one that lasts for more than 24 hours and is separated from previous symptoms by at least one month. The best way to help your doctor determine if you are having a relapse or exacerbation is by keeping a detailed journal of your symptoms, paying particular attention to the appearance of new ones.
Important Rebif safety information
Thinking about Treatment
Q: What can I do to manage my MS?
While there isn't yet a cure for MS, there are treatments known as disease modifying drugs (DMDs) that may change the course of the disease. It's extremely important to choose a treatment and start therapy soon. Research shows that inflammation and nerve damage start early with MS, and once damage is done to the nervous system it cannot be reversed.
Important Rebif safety information
Q: Should I wait to treat my MS?
No. You should choose a treatment and start therapy as soon as possible after you are diagnosed with MS. Research shows that inflammation and nerve damage start early with MS, and once damage is done to the nervous system it cannot be reversed. The American Academy of Neurology (AAN), the MS Council for Clinical Practice Guidelines (MS Council), and the Medical Advisory Board of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society all recommend early treatment. Early treatment may reduce brain lesions, reduce the frequency of relapses, and delay the progression of disability.
Important Rebif safety information
Q: How is Rebif different from Avonex®?
Both Rebif and Avonex (interferon beta-1a) are made of interferon beta-1a, a protein produced in mammalian cells which is similar to the naturally occurring interferon in humans. However, while Avonex 30 mcg interferon beta-1a is taken once a week via intramuscular injection injection, Rebif 44 mcg is taken three times a week via subcutaneous (under the skin) injection. Rebif is a higher total dose of interferon beta-1a every week. In the only completed head-to-head study (EVIDENCE Study) of MS therapies, patients taking Rebif were shown to have fewer relapses and fewer new lesion activity and area than those treated with Avonex. Avonex has a broader indication than Rebif.
Important Rebif safety information
Q: How is Rebif different from Betaseron®?
Rebif is made of interferon beta-1a, a protein produced in mammalian cells that is similar to the naturally occurring interferon in humans. Betaseron® (interferon beta-1b) is a purified, sterile, lyophilized protein product produced by recombinant DNA techniques. Rebif is taken three times per week by subcutaneous injection, while Betaseron is injected every other day. Betaseron has a broader indication than Rebif. Click here to learn more.
The Betaseron syringe requires assembly and mixing, which involves 13 more steps than Rebif. The Rebif syringe is pre-assembled and pre-filled, which can save you time. Watch this video to learn more.
Important Rebif safety information
Q: How is Rebif different from Copaxone®?
Rebif is made of interferon beta-1a, a protein produced in mammalian cells that is similar to the naturally occurring interferon in humans. Although the precise mechanism is unknown, interferon beta-1a appears to work by moderating the body's immune response to prevent it from attacking the central nervous system. Copaxone® (glatiramer acetate injection) is a synthetic compound made up of four amino acids that works by reducing inflammation. Rebif is taken three times per week by subcutaneous injection, while Copaxone is injected daily. Click here to learn more
Important Rebif safety information
Q: How do I know if my treatment is working?
Keep track of your symptoms and how you are feeling. This will allow your doctor to follow your disease and help show how well your medicine is working. If you think you are having symptoms, write them down, including when they happened, and for how long. You may have had a relapse. A periodic MRI* scan may be another way to see if your MS activity is getting better or worse. If the scan shows new lesions and you are having frequent relapses you and your doctor may want to consider another treatment.
*The exact correlation between MRI findings and the current or future clinical status of patients, including disability progression, is unknown.
Important Rebif safety information
Living with MS
Q: Is there a special diet for people with MS?
No, there is no "MS Diet" on which everyone agrees. Most specialists in the MS community recommend the same general dietary guidelines doctors, nutritionists, and the scientific community endorse for everyone:
- Try to eat less junk foods and fast foods, which contain a lot of saturated fats — eat more fish, nuts, and other foods which have more polyunsaturated and monounsaturated "good" fats.
- Try to avoid red meat but get the protein you need for healthy metabolism by eating more fish, skinless white meat chicken and turkey, legumes (beans), lentils, and low-fat dairy products.
- Try to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains for the complex carbohydrates your body needs for fuel, important nutrients, and fiber to aid your digestion.
Be sure to consult your doctor before starting on any new diet.
Important Rebif safety information
Q: Can I exercise if I have MS?
Yes. Whether you prefer walking, swimming, aerobics, weight training, or just working in the garden, regular physical exercise will help you maintain your strength, flexibility, and endurance. And the stronger and healthier you are overall, the more confidence you will have, and the better you will be able to deal with occasional symptoms when they occur. Regardless of your level of activity before you were diagnosed, you should consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program.
Important Rebif safety information
Q: How can I find someone to talk to about beginning Rebif® therapy?
Call MS LifeLines® toll free: 1-877-447-3243 Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 8 PM ET. MS LifeLines specialists and trained nurses are available to answer your questions about Rebif treatment, dealing with side effects, and other MS related questions. Of course, you should always speak with your doctor or healthcare professional.
Important Rebif safety information
Avonex is a registered trademark of Biogen Idec.
Betaseron is a registered trademark of Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals.
Copaxone is a registered trademark of Teva Neuroscience, Inc.
