Approximately 300,000 Americans have multiple sclerosis, according to Dr. Roger Simon, M.D., the director of neurobiology research at Legacy Health Systems in "Clinical Neurology." In most cases, people are between 20 and 40 years old, with two times as many women with multiple sclerosis as men. There are several remedies available to help those suffering with this disease.
Corticosteroids
The adrenal gland has two parts. The outer part of the gland is called the adrenal cortex. The inner part of the adrenal gland is called the adrenal medulla. Corticosteroids are hormones made in the adrenal cortex. Brian Apatoff, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Care and Research Center writes in the "The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals," that the corticosteroids named prednisone and methylprednisolone are some of the remedies used for multiple sclerosis. The corticosteroids are used because they inhibit inflammation. They stimulate the production of proteins that work against inflammation. They also suppress the production of those proteins that are inflammatory.
Immunomodulators
The term immunomodulator is used to describe a remedy that modifies or regulates the immune system. The immune system is designed to fight against foreign invaders. But in multiple sclerosis, it is thought that the immune system attacks its own body instead of foreign substances. In addition, people with this disease usually have what is referred to as relapses and remissions, or periods of time where they have symptoms and then periods where they are symptom-free. Immunomodulators are used because they modify, or change, how often a person with multiple sclerosis relapses and has symptoms. Simon in "Clinical Neurology" writes that interferon beta-1a--Avonex, Rebif; interferon beta-1b--Betaseron and glatiramer acetate--are immunomodulators used as remedies in multiple sclerosis.
Mitoxantrone
Mitoxantrone remedy also goes by the name of Novantrone. It suppresses the immune system. Dr. Stephen Hauser, M.D., chairman of the Department of Neurology at the University of California, writes in "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine," that this medication has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in the U.S. But, physicians usually use mitoxantrone only in those people who have increased disability and are not responding to other treatment.
Natalizumab
Natalizumab is a remedy that stops white blood cells from going into the brain. White blood cells are part of the immune system. This medication decreases the number of new lesions in the brain and the number of relapses. Similar to mitoxantrone, it is only used for people who have increased disability and are not responding to other treatment.
Controlling Symptoms
People with multiple sclerosis will usually have painful periods, according to Apatoff in "The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals." Gabapentin, desipramine, carbamazepine or amitriptyline control the pain. Muscle spasms are yet another symptom of this disease. Baclofen or tizanadine are used to control the spasms. Exercises are very helpful as well. Amantadine or modafinil help with the symptom of fatigue.
References
- "Clinical Neurology"; Roger Simon, M.D., David Greenberg, M.D., Ph.D., Michael Aminoff, M.D.; 2009
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; Anthony Fauci, M.D., Dennis Kasper, M.D., Dan Longo, M.D. et al.; 2008
- The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals: Multiple Sclerosis
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