The National Institutes of Health (NIH) defines multiple sclerosis (MS) as an autoimmune disorder that affects the myelin sheath. MS affects women more often than men, with the age of onset between 20 and 40. The myelin sheath, which is made up of oligodendrocytes (a type of glial cell), protects the axon on a neuron; when the myelin sheath is damaged, the lack of insulation disrupts nerve impulses. As a result, the neurons cannot communicate properly, causing the symptoms of MS.
A patient with MS can experience a variety of symptoms—depending on which nerves are damaged. MS can affect the patient's muscles, bowels, eyes, and can cause neurological and sensation changes. The patient has episodes where she has symptoms, followed by periods of remission. Many of these symptoms greatly interfere in the patient's life, like the muscular symptoms that include a loss of balance, weakness in her limbs, muscle spams, tremors, coordination problems, numbness, and walking and limb movement issues.
Medications are often used in MS treatment to slow the procession of the disorder, control the symptoms and decrease the severity of the episodes. CNN reports that a new drug has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that can greatly improve a MS patient's mobility. The drug—brand name Ampyra, generic name dalfampridine—is given orally, and can help with the patient's walking speed.
In clinical trials, Ampyra increased the patient's walking speed by 25 percent. While the drug does not work for every patient (the studies found that it was effective in 35 to 43 percent of patients), it does provide new hope for MS patients who have debilitating muscular symptoms. CNN notes that clinical trials will continue on Ampyra to see if the drug helps with other MS symptoms. Ampyra does have its limitations—it cannot regenerate damaged nerves. In addition, MS patients who also have seizures or kidney disease should not take this medication.
For patients who do not respond to Ampyra, there are other treatment options that can help with mobility. The NIH notes that for muscle spasms, a doctor may prescribe lioresal, tizanidine or a benzodiazepine. Physical therapy combined with an exercise program can also help the patient's level of mobility. Reducing stress, avoiding hot baths and too much sun exposure can also prevent triggering an episode.
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Elizabeth Stannard Gromisch received her bachelor’s of science degree in neuroscience from Trinity College in Hartford, CT in May 2009. She is the Hartford Women's Health Examiner and she writes about abuse on Suite 101.