Treatments Offered

Standard Treatments Offered For Multiple Sclerosis

When recommending treatment to their patients who have received a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, doctors will take into account the extent to which an individual manifests the disease. If a patient has only mild and not too frequent episodes or attacks the doctor may decide that it is best to take only a watchful attitude. This is important because the medications and treatments associated with MS are strong and with any type of drug there are side effects to be considered. In some cases it may be best if the person is able to manage with therapeutic counseling and guidance with regard to lifestyle and diet.

This may also be the case if the patient is pregnant or is planning to get pregnant.

It is important to keep in mind as well that the standard treatments given are not meant as a cure for the disease but rather as a means of controlling its progress and mitigating its symptoms. Some of the treatments that may be recommended are as follows:

If the disease has a relapsing pattern yet the patient is still able to walk, the doctor may recommend medications known collectively as Beta interferons”. These are basically proteins that have been genetically engineered as copies of ones that occur in the body. Their purpose is to fight any viral infections you may have and to help keep your immune system regulated properly. They may also help reduce episodes of MS. However, still much is unknown as to what degree they effect the disease overall. Some individuals may be unable to take them because of the side effects that can mimic flu symptoms. And others may develop antibodies to these proteins and thus reduce their effectiveness. This is a treatment that is meant to be long term and so must be approached with a great deal of consideration.

Another course of treatment involves the use of steroids. Corticosteroids may be given intravenously or orally. Their goal is to help reduce the inflammation that comes from an attack in the nerve tissue. Overall it is hoped that they will shorten flareups. However, it is still not established what the end benefit may be in long term use. Side effects with this treatment can include high blood pressure and osteoporosis.

Other varied treatments also address certain symptoms of multiple sclerosis such as the pain and stiffness that comes in the muscles. Often this results in spasms. Muscle relaxants may be used to give a measure of relief. For the issue of fatigue, a doctor may recommend a medication with stimulant properties. This could be in the form of an antidepressant or an antiviral drug. There has also been some research that seems to find that aspirin is effective against the fatigue but this has as yet not been confirmed. For other issues such as depression, bladder control and pain control there are numerous options that a doctor may give in order to mitigate these frustrating aspects of this disease.

As previously stated, the main purpose of these standard treatments will be to help slow the disease and to help ease any painful attacks that may come. Unfortunately they do not hold the cure. It is therefore a matter of personal decision along with professional input as to what treatment course an individual will opt to take. In all instances it will be important to keep a close eye on the results so as to be able to modify any problems that may arise.