1. Receive Intravenous Corticosteroids to Reduce Inflammation
Corticosteroids hasten the recovery of multiple sclerosis attacks in some patients, particularly when given in high-dose IV treatments. Those with MS can have the intravenous steroid methylprednisolone administered in a hospital setting or by an in-home health service, though insurance may not pay for home care. The IV catheter line is inserted in the arm and typically left in place for the duration of the treatment period--usually 3 to 5 days. Following the short-term IV steroid course, the patient generally takes a gradually decreasing dose of oral prednisone for 10 days, giving her time to taper off the steroids. The purpose of corticosteroid treatments is to decrease nerve swelling, improve conductivity and combat antibody attacks on the myelin sheaths protecting the nerves. If the treatment is successful, it results in easing of symptoms and shortening of an acute attack. Steroid treatments have not, however, been proven to change the overall course of the disease. Short-term steroidal effects may include sleeplessness, anxiety and a metal-like taste in the mouth. While steroids do not generally cause life-altering side effects if used for short periods, long-term usage may cause osteoporosis, weight gain and swelling, cataracts and gastrointestinal bleeding.
2. Undergo Plasmapheresis to Flush out Destructive Antibodies
Plasmapheresis therapy, or plasma exchange, is usually offered to patients severely impaired by an acute attack if a corticosteroid course is not successful. Plasmapheresis must be administered in an equipped clinical setting. Intravenous catheter lines are placed in the patient's arm or groin, and blood is withdrawn from the patient through one tube, processed and replaced through the other tube. Blood processing involves separating the plasma from the blood and replacing it with synthetic plasma or "healthy" plasma from a donor. Plasma exchange is a long process, typically requiring patients to receive daily treatments for up to 2 weeks. While the MS benefits of plasmapheresis are debatable, it is theorized that the old plasma contains antibodies that are attacking the patient's nervous system. Offending antibodies are flushed out of the blood with the new plasma, decreasing the patient's exacerbation symptoms. While a number of MS patients have had successful symptom relief with plasmapheresis, the effects generally dwindle after a few months. Patients should be aware of the risks for plasma exchange, which may include bleeding problems, dangerously low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, clotting issues and infection.
3. Try Acupuncture for Symptom Reduction
While steroids and plasma exchange are the only recognized treatments for an MS attack, there are many other ways to manage acute exacerbation symptoms. Those who opt out of corticosteroids or plasmapheresis may experience relief from acupuncture. While acupuncture is not considered "mainstream," the U.S. National Institutes of Health have declared the therapy to be safe and well tolerated for most patients. Many people with MS have reported an improvement in symptoms like pain, numbness, spasticity, incontinence and depression after regular visits to a trained acupuncturist. Acupuncture can be integrated into a patient's therapy regimen that may already include medication, physical therapy and exercise. Remember, though, that acupuncture therapy has not been found to specifically slow the overall disease course.
4. Get Regular Massages to Reduce Spasticity and Combat Fatigue
Spasticity and fatigue are two of the most debilitating symptoms in an MS attack, and many patients suffer from "bone-tiring" exhaustion and painful, involuntary muscle contractions throughout their body. Massage therapists can release muscle spasms, induce healing circulation and increase overall blood flow for some MS patients, which may help with fatigue. Therapists use varying techniques, including myofascial release and Swedish massage, to achieve symptom improvement.
