What is the common initial treatment approach for spasticity in multiple sclerosis patients?

The initial treatment approach for spasticity in patients with multiple sclerosis often involves oral medications, such as baclofen. Baclofen is a muscle relaxant that acts on the central nervous system to alleviate the tightness and stiffness of muscles that can occur as a result of spasticity.

Starting treatment with oral medications is preferred due to their ease of administration, the non-invasive nature of the approach, and the ability to adjust dosages based on individual patient responses. This method allows for gradual improvement, which can be monitored closely and adjusted as needed.

While physical therapy may also play an important role in managing spasticity alongside medication, it is generally not sufficient as a standalone treatment. Intravenous medications and surgical interventions tend to be reserved for more severe cases or when oral medications are ineffective, emphasizing the initial approach often begins with less invasive, more manageable oral therapies.