Multiple sclerosis, or MS, affects about 250,000 to 350,000 Americans, according to Arthur Schoenstadt, M.D., author of the eMedTV article "Multiple Sclerosis Statistics." MS is a neurodegenerative disease in which the myelin sheath, the covering of the neuron's axon, is damaged. Without an intact myelin, neural communication is disrupted. Treatment for MS focuses on controlling symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease.
Long-Term Medications
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that certain medications are taken on a long-term basis to slow the progression of the disease. The first choice medications include natalizumab, interferons, mitoxantrone and glatiramer acetate. Each of these medications works differently. For example, natalizumab stops damaging immune cells from getting into the bloodstream towards the central nervous system (CNS), according to the Mayo Clinic. Interferons slow the rate of symptom progression, and mitoxantrone is an immunosuppressant drug. If none of those drugs work for the patient, second choice medications, like cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, intravenous immunoglobulin and azathioprine, are used.
Other Medications
The patient can use other medications to manage symptoms during an episode. The Mayo Clinic states that corticosteroids are the most common treatment, reducing the inflammation. The patient can take tizanidine, baclofen or benzodiazepines for spasm reduction. Antidepressants are another option if the patient has co-existing mood problems, like depression or anxiety.
Therapies
As muscular problems can occur with MS, the patient can benefit from physical or occupational therapy, which teach strengthening exercises that do not exacerbate the symptoms. The therapy may include the use of assistive devices, like walkers.
Lifestyle Changes
The patient can decrease the frequency of symptomatic episodes through stress reduction, and avoiding high temperatures and fatigue. For example, the patient should avoid hot baths, which could trigger symptoms. Living a healthy lifestyle, which involves getting enough sleep every night and a well-balanced diet, can also help. Additionally, the NIH recommends daily exercise, but under proper supervision to prevent injury or worsening of MS symptoms.
Plasmapheresis
For a patient with severe relapse symptoms, plasmapheresis may be done. The Mayo Clinic explains that this procedure separates the blood cells from the plasma. The plasma exchange can reduce the severity of symptoms, and is also recommended for patients who do not respond to intravenous corticosteroids.
