How to Treat Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder that damages the myelin sheath. This is a fatty substance that covers your nerves so that stimuli are transmitted properly. With the myelin sheath damaged, there would be a break in the continuity of transmission of stimuli, resulting to degeneration of the nerves. Here are some things you should know about this condition.
Symptoms
People with Multiple Sclerosis usually experience remissions and relapses of symptoms. An increase in body temperature makes symptoms worse.
Eyesight problems, like blurred or double vision and blindness
Pins and needles sensations
Numbness or muscle weakness of one side of the body or the lower extremities
Tremor
Unsteady gait
Fatigue
Dizziness
Diagnosis
Multiple Sclerosis is usually diagnosed by ruling out other illnesses that have the same symptoms as this condition.
Blood tests are done to make sure that your symptoms are not caused by infections or other inflammatory conditions.
Lumbar Puncture is a procedure where a sample of your cerebrospinal fluid is taken and examined. This can help rule out viral infections and neurological conditions that have similar symptoms as multiple sclerosis.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans provides a visual representation of your brain and spinal cord. This can show lesions that resulted from the damaged to the myelin sheath.
Medications
Interferons. 3 kinds of interferons are prescribed to patients with this condition. These are Betaseron, Avonex and Rebif. When taking any of these medications, avoid drinking alcohol and eating foods that can damage your liver. These drugs are known to cause serious liver problems.
Corticosteroids are one of the common medications for Multiple Sclerosis. This type of drug decreases inflammation during your period of relapse. Examples of this drug are Prednisone and Methylprednisoline.
Glatiramer (Copaxone) stops your immune system from attacking the myelin sheath. Some side effects of this medicine are flushes and shortness of breath.
Mitoxantrone (Novantrone) are prescribed to patients on the advance stages of Multiple Sclerosis.
Natalizumab are given for patients who can’t take the other medications for this condition. Taking this medicine puts you at risk of leukoencephalopathy.
Therapies
Restorative rehabilitation helps patients improve their functions. This therapy is very helpful for patients on a relapse period.
Preventive Rehabilitation helps patient to maintain functions unaffected by their condition.
Physical and Occupational Therapies will help patient do their daily tasks such as taking a bath and eating.
Counseling. Patients with Multiple Sclerosis are at high risk of depression and other psychological problems. They might not be able to cope properly with what is happening to them. Joining a support group would be a great help. This would give them ideas on how other people with the same condition as their are coping.
Home Care
Rest. Fatigue is one of the common complaints of patients. Make sure that you get enough rest everyday.
Exercise. A regular exercise routine will increase your energy, build muscle and maintain bone density.
Eat healthy. Having a healthy immune system is important to prevent complications.
Relax. Stress may aggravate your symptoms. Learn some relaxation techniques, like deep breathing exercises. You may also try to learn meditation.
Cool baths. An increase in body temperature may cause a relapse of symptoms. If you’re living in a hot environment, you may have to get an air cooling system. Having cold showers will also help keep your temperature on the right level.
Vitamin Supplements. Patients on corticosteroid therapy usually have low bone density because of the effects of the drug. Vitamin D will help maintain bone density. Taking Vitamin A is important for those patients with eyesight problems.