Treatment Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) cannot be cured but the symptoms can be relieved as well as the progress of the disease can be slowed down. Quality of life can be improved for the individual with MS. Treatment includes a combination of physical therapy, medications and other treatments.

Medications:

There are several drugs that are used to slow down the progress of the disease.

You may hear these drugs referred to as "disease modifying drugs". These drugs include:

Avonex
Betaseron
Copaxone
Novantrone
Rebif
Tysabri

These drugs slow the progress of MS by suppressing, or altering, the body's activity regarding the immune system. It is the abnormal response that the person with MS has towards the myelin that is a cause for the disease. This abnormal response is part of the immune system. Using a drug that suppresses the immune system may delay this abnormal response from happening.

These drugs cannot cure MS; they only reduce the frequency and also the severity of the attacks experienced by the person with MS. They may also reduce the development of new brain lesions from forming.

These drugs can improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from MS.

Avonex is used to treat relapsing forms of MS and also to treat after the initial attack. This drug is administered by intramuscular injection into a muscle. Doses are weekly. Common side effects are flu-like symptoms.

Betaseron is used to treat relapsing forms of MS. This drug is given by subcutaneous (under the skin) injection every day. A common side effect is to have flu-like symptoms.

Copaxone is used in the treatment of relapsing-remitting MS and is given under the skin by injection daily. Possible reaction at the site of injection is possible.

Novantrone is used when there is rapidly worsening symptoms of MS or progressive-relapsing or secondary-progressive forms of MS. Is is given intravenously (by vein), once every 3 months or 4 times a year. Common side effects are nausea, hair thinning, and a decrease in white blood cell count.

Rebif is also used to treat relapsing forms of MS and is administered under the skin by injection, three times per week. Common side effects like most of the other MS drugs is flu-like symptoms.

What you can do at home:

There are several things you can do at home to relieve some of the symptoms or to help you feel better. You can avoid heat by staying out of hot tubs and limit your showers to warm and not hot temperatures. You can stagger your daily routines so that you can conserve your energy. Most of us do not do well when we are sleep-deprived; those with MS can actually experience MS flare-ups when they are sleep-deprived, when they are run down or under stress. All of these things can trigger our immune systems to not work well.

We can also give our bodies the nutrition that they need to function at the best level possible. Individuals with MS should avoid aggressive weight-loss plans, and fasting. Food gives us energy and individuals with MS need all the energy they can muster.

Ask your doctor about calcium supplements as especially women with MS may be compromised when it comes developing osteoporosis. Avoid usage of steroids as long-term use can increase your risk for osteoporosis.

Physical activity is good for anyone, and individuals with MS can benefit too by making a point to be active. Activity helps to keep joints flexible and to help prevent spasms. Overexertion can lead to problems with fatigue and muscle weakness so it is wise to limit activity and to be careful about overexerting yourself. Listen to your body while exercising and take the hint to stop or slow down when your body tells you to. It is important to build muscle mass and to keep your body temperature low while exercising. A physical therapist can help guide you to the right exercises for you and to the correct amount of time spent at exercising as well as number of repetitions.

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