Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a degenerative condition that affects the function of nerves in the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. MS attacks the protective shield around nerve fibers, allowing damage to the nerves.
Signals from the brain can be slowed or blocked when passing through damaged sections of nerves. This causes MS symptoms including muscles weakness, difficulty walking, talking, or eating, dizziness, fatigue, tremors, and changes in vision.
Currently there is no cure for MS. Treatments are available to help control symptoms and maintain quality of life. Goals for MS treatment include:
• Modifying the course of the disease
• Treating flare-ups or exacerbations
• Managing symptoms
• Improving general function and safety
In general, treatment for multiple sclerosis begins as soon as the disease is diagnosed. Research has shown that starting treatment early can yield a more positive result than treatment that is delayed.
Disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) are often recommended as early as the first MS attack. These drugs are used to try to slow down the progression of the disease.
There are a variety of DMDs available which are targeted at controlling specific symptoms. Your doctor will determine which drugs are most appropriate based on symptoms and response to the medications.
Flare-ups or exacerbations are generally accompanied by inflammation. Most exacerbations last between a few days and several weeks or months. Treatment for MS flare-ups often includes corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
MS symptoms are typically treated on a case by case basis because symptoms can vary significantly from person to person. Common treatments include:
• Targeted medications selected to relieve specific symptoms
• Self-care techniques which may include exercise, balanced diet, getting enough rest, reducing stress, and cooling body temperature using cool baths to relieve symptoms
• Rehabilitation which may include work with a physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech/language pathologist, or other specialist to strengthen or recover specific functions depending on which nerves have been damaged by MS
• Assistive devices including wheel chairs, canes, and aids for bathing may be helpful
In general, treatment can be beneficial at all stages of the disease. Early treatment can delay symptom development to retain more function before nerves are damaged. Treatment later in the disease can help restore strength, reduce fatigue, and provide techniques to improve function after nerves have been damaged.
Research is ongoing to develop new treatments and find a cure for multiple sclerosis. The recently created MS Emerging Therapies Collaborative gathers and shares information from a variety of sources regarding new research, treatment suggestions, and approved medications for MS treatment.
Sources:
National Multiple Sclerosis Society. About MS: Treatments. Web. November 30, 2011.
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/what-we-know-about-ms/treatments/index.aspx
Medicine Net. Multiple Sclerosis. Fernando Dandond, MD. Web. November 30, 2011.
http://www.medicinenet.com/multiple_sclerosis/page4.htm
PubMed Health. Multiple sclerosis. Web. November 30, 2011.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001747/
Mayo Clinic. Multiple sclerosis: Treatments and drugs. Web. November 30, 2011.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/multiple-sclerosis/DS00188/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
Emerging Therapies Collaborative. Our Mission. Web. November 28, 2011.
http://www.ms-coalition.org/emergingtherapies/
Reviewed December 1, 2011
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith