Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. The immune system mistakenly attacks the protective sheath of the nerve fibers (myelin) in the brain and spinal cord. Depending on where the damage occurs, very different symptoms appear. In Germany, about 250,000 people live with MS.

An important message up front: an MS diagnosis today is no longer what it was 20 years ago. With early, consistent treatment, many people with MS lead a largely normal life.

Conventional Medicine as the Foundation

Today there are about 20 approved drugs that influence the course of the disease. Especially right after a diagnosis, they are the most important foundation. Highly effective antibodies such as ocrelizumab can almost completely suppress relapses in many patients.

The next generation is BTK inhibitors such as tolebrutinib and fenebrutinib, tablets that reach the brain and are meant to also slow the gradual progression. The approval process has been bumpy: the European agency EMA rated tolebrutinib positively, while the US FDA initially rejected the application.

Research

• Repairing the nerve sheaths (remyelination): Old drugs such as the antihistamine clemastine and metformin are being studied for this. In early 2026, the Paris Brain Institute found new molecules that support the repair.
• CAR-T cell therapy: This method from cancer treatment is being tested in MS, and the university hospital in Tübingen is planning a study. In the long run, it could restart the misdirected immune system.
• Epstein-Barr virus: The link between this virus and the development of MS has been confirmed. This opens up the possibility of a vaccine and antiviral therapies.

More Intensive and Alternative Approaches

• Autologous stem cell transplantation (aHSCT): The immune system is largely reset with chemotherapy and rebuilt with the patient's own blood stem cells. For highly active relapsing MS, its effectiveness is well documented, and the procedure is increasingly offered in Germany and Europe as well. But it is an intensive procedure with real risks. The first step should be a conversation with a German MS center, not booking directly abroad.
• Coimbra protocol: very high doses of vitamin D. The success rates often quoted come mostly from personal reports, not from controlled studies. High-dose vitamin D can raise calcium levels dangerously and damage the kidneys. Only under close medical supervision.

What You Can Do Yourself

Everything below supplements the treatment but does not replace it:

• Vitamin D: A large 2025 study with 303 patients showed that in very early MS, vitamin D lowers disease activity and delays the second relapse almost twice as long, especially in people with a deficiency. The point is a sufficient, monitored level, not maximum doses.
• Omega-3: linked to less fatigue and disability, especially plant-based omega-3.
• Diet: Mediterranean and plant-focused food shows the most consistent benefits.
• Exercise: Active people have a much lower risk of severe disability.
• Dental health: Gum bacteria are linked to a more severe course. Good oral hygiene and professional teeth cleaning help.
• Gut flora: affects how the disease starts and progresses, and a high-fiber diet supports it.
• Don't smoke, reduce stress, keep a healthy weight.

My Conclusion

Just like with my Parkinson's: the best strategy is a combination of modern medicine and a consistently healthy lifestyle. After a new diagnosis, first go to a good MS center and start an effective therapy early.