How is multiple sclerosis treated?
There is no cure for multiple sclerosis. However, the disease can be managed and the symptoms controlled to various degrees of success with an individualized, multifaceted approach that includes medications and other therapies. You can help manage multiple sclerosis by consistently following your treatment plan.
Treatment plans are geared toward managing your symptoms and suppressing the body’s autoimmune response, which is believed to be the root of multiple sclerosis.
People with mild cases of multiple sclerosis may need or choose to have little or no treatment. However, all people with the disease are encouraged to keep their bodies as strong and healthy as possible by:
-
Avoiding excessive heat and exercise
-
Avoiding fatigue and stress
-
Eating a well-balanced diet
-
Engaging in regular, moderate exercise
-
Maintaining a healthy weight
Medications for multiple sclerosis
For people whose symptoms are moderate to severe, treatment may include any of the following medications:
-
Beta interferons, which can reduce the number of episodes of symptoms and slow progression of the disease
-
Corticosteroids,which can help minimize the intensity of symptoms
-
Muscle relaxers,which can reduce muscle spasms
-
Novantrone, which can be used for severe or advanced multiple sclerosis
Other treatments and therapies for multiple sclerosis
What are the possible complications of multiple sclerosis?
In some cases, complications of multiple sclerosis can be severely disabling. You can help lower the risk of serious complications, reduce symptoms, and delay disability by following the treatment plan you and your health care professional design specifically for you. Complications of multiple sclerosis include:
-
Choking because of problems chewing and swallowing
-
Depression
-
Hearing loss
-
Incontinence
-
Loss of balance and falls
-
Painful muscle spasms
-
Paralysis
-
Problems with memory and other mental functions
-
Seizures
-
Sexual dysfunction
-
Speech difficulties
-
Vision loss
INTRODUCTION
What is multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis is a progressive autoimmune disease and the most common neurological disease diagnosed in young adults. It is believed that multiple sclerosis occurs when the body’s own immune system attacks the central nervous system. Commonly called MS, the disease generally gets worse with time and can cause significant nerve damage....
Read more about multiple sclerosis introduction
SYMPTOMS
What are the symptoms of multiple sclerosis?
The symptoms of multiple sclerosis result from inflammation, swelling, and lesions on the myelin, a fatty material that covers and insulates the nerve cells in the central nervous system. This leads to abnormal transmission of electrical impulses through the central nervous system and difficulties with motor skills, cognition and sensation....
Read more about multiple sclerosis symptoms
CAUSES
What causes multiple sclerosis?
The causes of multiple sclerosis are not well understood. Researchers believe that the body’s immune system begins to attack the nervous system, specifically the myelin. The myelin is a fatty material that covers and insulates the nerve cells in the central nervous system. Healthy myelin is vital to the normal, rapid movement of electrical impulses through the nerve pathways....
Read more about multiple sclerosis causes
