Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition in which a person's immune system attacks its protective nerve coverings. When this happens, breakdown in the communication occurs between the brain and the body. MS has no definite etiology, but it has been speculated that genes, the environment and even geography can influence whether or not a person will be affected by this disease.
Symptoms of the condition depend on which nerves are under attack. Early symptoms are often misdiagnosed as less serious conditions. Not until the symptoms become more severe and/or numerous is a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis made. Symptomology includes numbness in the extremities, vision disturbances and electric shock sensations upon certain movements of the head.
Various blood tests can help rule out the possibility of other infectious or inflammatory diseases. A spinal tap, in which the spinal fluid is collected and analyzed for abnormalities may also be used to determine the presence of multiple sclerosis. An MRI is able to detect the demyelination of the nerve covering.
Multiple sclerosis cannot be cured. However, the disease can be treated with a variety of treatments that help counteract the attacks upon the nerves, and their subsequent manifestations on the body.
Corticosteroids are the most common form of treatment and are prescribed in order to reduce the inflammation that occurs with the onset of symptoms. Plasmapheresis is a treatment reserved for severe symptoms of the disease. In this particular treatment, the blood is separated from the plasma and administered dialysis style. Plasmaphoresis is recommended when steroid treatment fails. Many FDA-approved drugs exist in the market today. The purpose of these drugs is to slow down the progression of the disease and to ensure the MS sufferer has the best quality of life possible. Physical therapy and exercise will help keep muscles strengthened and stretched.
If you suffer from Multiple Sclerosis, talk to your health care provider about the best treatment available to match your needs, and be encouraged: great strides are being made to produce drugs that more aggressively address the course of the disease.
Symptoms of the condition depend on which nerves are under attack. Early symptoms are often misdiagnosed as less serious conditions. Not until the symptoms become more severe and/or numerous is a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis made. Symptomology includes numbness in the extremities, vision disturbances and electric shock sensations upon certain movements of the head.
Various blood tests can help rule out the possibility of other infectious or inflammatory diseases. A spinal tap, in which the spinal fluid is collected and analyzed for abnormalities may also be used to determine the presence of multiple sclerosis. An MRI is able to detect the demyelination of the nerve covering.
Multiple sclerosis cannot be cured. However, the disease can be treated with a variety of treatments that help counteract the attacks upon the nerves, and their subsequent manifestations on the body.
Corticosteroids are the most common form of treatment and are prescribed in order to reduce the inflammation that occurs with the onset of symptoms. Plasmapheresis is a treatment reserved for severe symptoms of the disease. In this particular treatment, the blood is separated from the plasma and administered dialysis style. Plasmaphoresis is recommended when steroid treatment fails. Many FDA-approved drugs exist in the market today. The purpose of these drugs is to slow down the progression of the disease and to ensure the MS sufferer has the best quality of life possible. Physical therapy and exercise will help keep muscles strengthened and stretched.
If you suffer from Multiple Sclerosis, talk to your health care provider about the best treatment available to match your needs, and be encouraged: great strides are being made to produce drugs that more aggressively address the course of the disease.
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