Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a devastating and debilitating disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Common symptoms of MS include numbness or weakness, pain, double vision, fatigue, trouble walking and dizziness. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), MS is an autoimmune disease where the myelin (supporting material) surrounding the nerves become damaged. According to the Mayo Clinic, MS can occur at any age, but it typically develops in people between the ages of 20 and 40 years old.
Step 1
Exercise at least 30 minutes daily to help improve your muscle strength and coordination. Do not over-exert yourself and stop if you feel tired. The Mayo Clinic recommends swimming as a low-impact aerobic exercise.
Step 2
Get plenty of rest in order to feel less fatigued. The Mayo Clinic states fatigue is a common symptom of MS.
Step 3
Avoid extreme heat because this can aggravate your MS symptoms and lead you to experience muscle weakness. You should not get into a hot sauna or take a hot bath unless someone is present.
Step 4
Turn on the air-conditioner in your home if you live in a warm climate. This can help soothe your MS and prevent the development of further symptoms.
Step 5
Include fruits and vegetables in your diet to boost your immune system.
Step 6
Stretch and strengthen your muscles with physical and occupational therapy. This can help your body overcome MS.
Step 7
Obtain a prescription for corticosteroid, interferon, natalizumab, mitoxantrone or glatiramer. A corticosteroid reduces the inflammatory symptoms of MS such as pain. Interferon treatment such as betaseron can slow the progression of your MS. Natalizumab interferes with your immune cells (cells that attack your body) and prevents them from reaching your brain and spinal cord. Mitoxantrone is used to treat people with severe MS. Glatiramer is an injection you receive daily to prevent your immune cells from attacking the myelin in your brain and spinal cord. Discuss with your doctor which medication is appropriate for your MS.
Step 8
Obtain plasmapheresis treatment. The Mayo Clinic states that this is a method of plasma exchange in which your blood cells are separated from your plasma (liquid portion of your blood). This can help you overcome severe MS.
Things You'll Need
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Corticosteroid
- Interferon, such as betaseron
- Natalizumab
- Mitoxantrone
- Glatiramer
