One facet of your MS treatment may include physical or occupational therapy.
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the nerves inside the brain and spinal cord, leading to vision, balance and muscle movement difficulties. At the time of publication, no cure has been identified for MS, but some treatments can control or slow the progress of this disease. Find and use the most effective treatments to help you maintain as much of your independence and well-being as possible.
Treat the First Episode of MS
Your doctor's goal in treating your condition is to slow the progression of your MS by reducing the frequency and severity of your relapses. Doing so may help reduce the accumulation of lesions in your brain and on your spinal cord, helping you to remain able-bodied for as long as possible.
The worst changes in your brain develop very early in your disease, most likely before you even begin experiencing noticeable symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe medications after your first episode of MS, which is called a clinically isolated syndrome. Once you have undergone diagnostic testing, he can more easily determine if you are at higher risk for a worsening of your MS. If you are, you may receive prescriptions for early treatment with disease-modifying medications.
Take Disease-Modifying Medications
Your doctor will refer you to a neurologist, who will review your history and decide which medications are the most appropriate for your form of MS. These include Interferon, glatiramer acetate, natalizumab and mitoxantrone. All of these are given as injections in differing dosing schedules.
Once you have been diagnosed, you will be taking your medications long-term to prevent relapses and progression of your disease. If these drugs do not have an effect on your symptoms, your doctor may choose to prescribe drugs that are not specifically approved for MS. They may include immunoglobulin, azathriopine, methotrexate and cyclophosphamide.
Treat All Acute Relapses
It is vitally important to treat your MS and prevent as many relapses as you can. These relapses, called flareups or exacerbations, worsen your original symptoms and cause new symptoms.
External factors, such as stress, heat or an infection, cause some exacerbations. They do not cause inflammation of the myelin sheath surrounding the nerve fibers in your brain and spinal cord, and they are usually short-lived. True exacerbations last at least 24 hours and develop at least 30 days after an earlier attack. For severe attacks, your doctor may prescribe a short course of high-dose corticosteroids. If your symptoms are very severe, you may receive a plasma transfer or an adrenocorticotropic hormone, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Treat Your Symptoms
Aside from your medication regimen, your neurologist and doctor will recommend that you take good care of your health. This may include eating more nourishing meals, getting sufficient rest and sleep and avoiding excessive heat. If you are experiencing spasticity or muscle involvement, you may be prescribed occupational or physical therapy.
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