The recent debate in the United Kingdom over whether or not β-interferon and glatiramer acetate should be prescribed on the National Health Service for people with multiple sclerosis has focused the attention of the media, health services, and the business community in a way never previously experienced. However, the use of drugs which have a partial effect on disease activity is just one component of the active management of this complex disease. Multiple sclerosis has wide ranging physical and psychosocial consequences, which may have an enormous long term impact on almost every aspect of the daily lives of people with the disease and their families. In providing an adequate service it is therefore crucial to focus not only on the role of immunomodulatory drugs, but also on the many …