Multiple sclerosis, better known simply as MS, is a serious, chronic condition that affects the brain and spinal cord. Multiple sclerosis is a condition where your immune system attacks itself and damages the protective sheathing that surrounds the spinal cord. This is extremely painful and can result in communication problems between your brain, spinal cord, and the rest of your body.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for multiple sclerosis, and it has been shown to reduce the lifespan of affected people slightly. However, there are treatments available that can hold the effects of multiple sclerosis at bay and help you live a long and fairly functional life. The key is to receive an early diagnosis and start treatment as soon as possible. Currently, medications are the best form of treatment for MS.
MS flare-ups are often caused by inflammation of the nerve fibres surrounding your spinal cord. To combat this, you can take corticosteroids, such as budesonide and prednisone, which can reduce inflammation. While this is not a permanent cure for MS, it can shorten the length of your attacks and mitigate additional symptoms.
If corticosteroids are not enough to help with MS attacks, you can opt for plasmapheresis. The goal of this treatment is to mix your blood cells with a protein solution. To do this, your plasma gets removed and mixed with the solution then is put back into your body. This can help reduce inflammation of the nerve fibres and speed your recovery after an attack.
Beta interferons are often the first course of treatment used to treat multiple sclerosis. As the name implies, beta interferons work by interfering with how a disease attacks your brain or spinal cord. In so doing, beta interferons reduce the severity of MS attacks and reduce the frequency of attacks. All beta interferons are administered via an injection and include brands such as Rebif and Avonex.
Glatiramer acetate is another great medication to help with multiple sclerosis. Glatiramer acetate is an injectable immunosuppressant that can keep your immune system under control. Because MS flare-ups occur when the immune system attacks the myelin in your spinal cord, glatiramer acetate can help prevent attacks and speed up recovery following one.
Aside from these medications, there are many others you can take to address specific symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Your exact treatment plan will vary depending on the severity of your condition and how often you have attacks.
Because of how many different medications you can take for MS, you may experience many different side effects. For injectables, common side effects include itchiness, rash, and skin irritation at the injection site. Oral medications can cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, dizziness, fatigue, and more.
In addition to medications for multiple sclerosis, you may also benefit from transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). TENS is where a doctor or therapist uses a small device or patches containing small electrical currents. These currents get sent through your body to stimulate your nerves and can help relieve pain related to MS. Although effective, TENS is not suitable for everyone with MS and should only be used as directed.
Due to the effects that MS has on your brain and spinal cord, movement and mobility will become an issue. To keep these problems at bay and your muscles functioning properly, you will need occupational and physical therapy. Therapy can also help reduce the severity of muscle spasms, seizures, tremors, and more. Additionally, MS can cause muscle weakness, which physical and occupational therapy can strengthen.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic and debilitating condition for which there is no cure. You will have to make life modifications if you have MS due to how it affects your muscles, brain, and spinal cord. It is important to seek an early diagnosis if you have MS so that you can start treatment to limit flare-ups and manage the many symptoms caused by MS.