Eber Medical Group

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Treatment in China

Comprehensive MS management at Eber Medical Group — acute relapse therapy, disease-modifying treatment (DMT), and integrated rehabilitation combining Western medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Acute Relapse
Steroids, immunoadsorption, DFPP
DMT
Full range incl. anti-CD20
30 Days
Rehab program duration
160–180k CNY
Rehabilitation program

Overview of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system (CNS) in which the immune system attacks the myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers, causing demyelination and axonal damage. MS is the most common cause of non-traumatic neurological disability in young adults.

Important for traveling patients: If you are currently experiencing an MS relapse, please manage the acute episode at home first (high-dose methylprednisolone). Eber Medical Group recommends traveling during remission for the comprehensive rehabilitation and disease-modifying treatment program.

Treatment Phase 1: Acute Relapse Management

When a relapse occurs, the goal is rapid suppression of CNS inflammation:

First-line: High-Dose Corticosteroids (Pulse Therapy)

IV methylprednisolone at high dose, 3–5 day course. Rapidly suppresses immune activity, reduces inflammation and nerve edema. Standard international protocol used worldwide.

Adjunct: Immunoadsorption (IA)

Immunoadsorption is an advanced plasmapheresis technology that selectively removes pathogenic autoantibodies, immune complexes, and other harmful substances from blood — acting like a "magnet" targeting only disease-causing molecules while preserving beneficial plasma proteins.

  • Course: 5 days, once daily
  • Key indication: severe MS relapses resistant/intolerant to high-dose steroids; particularly effective for NMOSD (neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder) where anti-AQP4 antibodies are the main pathogenic driver
  • Also used in: acute MOG-antibody related disease

Double Filtration Plasmapheresis (DFPP)

DFPP is an advanced form of plasmapheresis using two-stage filtration for more precise removal of pathogenic antibodies.

Feature Detail
Mechanism Two-stage blood filtration — more selective antibody removal than standard plasmapheresis
Course 3–5 procedures every other day
Advantages More selective; preserves useful proteins; lower risk of allergic reactions; no/minimal donor plasma required
Indications Severe MS relapse; NMOSD acute attacks; steroid-refractory cases

Treatment Phase 2: Disease-Modifying Therapy (DMT) During Remission

DMT Category Agents Mechanism
Injectable Interferon-β (Betaferon, Rebif); Glatiramer acetate Immune modulation; reduces relapse rate; established safety profile
Oral Teriflunomide, Fingolimod/Siponimod, Cladribine Lymphocyte suppression / CNS entry blockade / lymphocyte depletion
Monoclonal Antibodies Anti-CD20 (ocrelizumab); Natalizumab (JC-neg); Alemtuzumab B-cell depletion; CNS infiltration blockade; T/B cell depletion (high efficacy, monitored use)

Phase 3: Rehabilitation Program (30 Days — 160,000–180,000 CNY)

The comprehensive 30-day inpatient rehabilitation program integrates Western rehabilitation with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM):

Western Rehabilitation Methods

  • Physiotherapy (PT): Gait improvement, balance, muscle strength, endurance
  • Occupational Therapy (OT): ADL adaptation, work reintegration, independence
  • Speech & Language Therapy: Dysarthria, dysphagia correction
  • rTMS: Reduces fatigue, improves cognitive function, reduces depression
  • tDCS: Transcranial direct current stimulation — corrects cognitive deficits, reduces fatigue
  • Temporal Interference (TI) Stimulation: Non-invasive deep brain stimulation targeting thalamus — neuroprotection, remyelination activation, motor coordination improvement

TCM Rehabilitation Methods

  • Scalp acupuncture: Increases cerebral blood flow, activates cortical neurons, improves motor control
  • Upper limb acupuncture: Restores muscle/nerve function, reduces spasticity
  • Back meridian acupuncture: Unblocks Du channel, regulates Yang, influences spinal cord
  • Lower limb acupuncture: Improves leg function, circulation, muscle strength
  • Moxa therapy: Warming-penetrating action — regulates immunity, improves nerve function
  • Tuina (therapeutic massage): Reduces symptoms, improves comfort and quality of life
  • Auricular therapy: Regulates organ/system function via ear reflex points

Lifestyle Modifications

  • Vitamin D supplementation (low vitamin D linked to higher MS activity)
  • Smoking cessation (proven risk factor for MS worsening)
  • Balanced diet and regular physical activity
  • Stress management and sleep optimization

MS Treatment Cost Summary

Program Duration Cost (CNY)
Acute treatment (pulse therapy, DFPP, immunoadsorption) 10–15 days By indication
Comprehensive 30-day rehabilitation 30 days 160,000–180,000

Multiple Sclerosis — FAQs

Can a patient with active MS relapse travel to China for treatment?
If you are currently experiencing an MS relapse, we recommend first managing the acute episode at home using standard international protocols (high-dose IV methylprednisolone, 3–5 days). Once the relapse has resolved and you are in remission, you can travel to Eber Medical Group for the comprehensive rehabilitation and disease-modifying treatment program.
What does the 30-day MS rehabilitation program include?
The 30-day inpatient program (160,000–180,000 CNY) includes: Western rehabilitation (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy), TCM rehabilitation (acupuncture — scalp, body, auricular; tuina; moxa), non-invasive neuromodulation (rTMS, tDCS), inpatient accommodation, nutritional support, and physician consultations. Disease-modifying therapy (DMT) optimization is additional by clinical indication.
What acute MS relapse treatments are available?
For acute relapse: high-dose IV methylprednisolone (pulse therapy, 3–5 days) as first-line treatment. For steroid-resistant or intolerant patients: immunoadsorption (IA) — selective removal of pathogenic autoantibodies (particularly anti-AQP4 in NMOSD) — 5-day course, once daily. Double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) — 3–5 sessions every other day — for severe relapses not responding to steroids.
What disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) are available?
We provide comprehensive DMT management: injectable therapies (interferon-β, glatiramer acetate), oral therapies (teriflunomide, fingolimod, siponimod, cladribine), and monoclonal antibodies (anti-CD20 agents, natalizumab for JC-negative patients, alemtuzumab for high-activity MS). Prescriptions and ongoing management are discussed with your neurologist.
How does TCM help MS patients?
TCM for MS focuses on: immune regulation (moxa therapy with warming-penetrating action), reducing fatigue (a major MS symptom targeted by acupuncture at specific points), improving motor function (scalp and limb acupuncture), and reducing spasticity. The TCM syndrome in MS is typically 'liver-kidney deficiency with damp-heat' — herbal formulae address this root pattern.