• April 28, 2024

The best way to describe multiple sclerosis (MS) with a single word is to call it "unpredictable", according to Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource . This disease interferes with communication between the brain and the rest of the body, but the way in which this interference causes symptoms is different in each person and, therefore, is unpredictable. So, what are the best treatments for multiple sclerosis?

In patients with MS, the immune system attacks the covering (myelin sheath) that surrounds the nerves of the brain and spinal cord. These attacks lead to inflammation and lesions of the myelin sheath, which can lead to the existence of several areas of scarring (sclerosis). Ultimately, scarring could stop or block nerve signals that control vision, muscle coordination, strength and sensation.

The intensity and duration of MS symptoms vary and they occur in different combinations. Some people have attacks or outbreaks followed by remission, while others have symptoms that get worse gradually. Usually, symptoms appear for the first time between 20 and 50 years. Women are twice as likely to develop MS as men.

The most common symptoms are abnormal sensations, for example, numbness, tingling and pain like stitches in the lower part of the body or on one side of the body. Many people with MS also have muscle weakness in one or more limbs, as well as coordination and balance problems.

The symptoms may be severe enough to upset or stand up. Other symptoms may include: muscle stiffness and spasms, fatigue, blurred or double vision, difficulty concentrating, depression and loss of control over the bladder and bowel.

Treatments for multiple sclerosis

Exactly what the triggers of MS are not known. Although there is no cure for multiple sclerosis, several therapies can treat the symptoms and / or reduce the duration or severity of the outbreaks.

Other treatments, some of which are still under study, could stop the course of the disease. Among the treatment alternatives are the following:

1. Corticosteroids , which are anti-inflammatories able to shorten or reduce the severity of acute attacks.
2. The interferons , among which are the Betaseron, Avonex and Rebif, which are usually genetically engineered copies of antiviral proteins that are usually found naturally in the body. It has been shown that these decrease the number of attacks and could reduce the destruction of myelin, which could possibly slow the progression of MS.
3. Glatiramer Acetate (Copaxone), which is an alternative to interferons and is believed to help restrict MS attacks by hampering the onslaught of the immune system on myelin.
4. Natalizumab (Tysabri), which is a drug capable of decreasing the frequency of MS attacks by restricting the mobilization capacity of immune cells from the bloodstream to the brain. However, this medication may increase the risk of a serious brain infection.
5. Mitoxantrone (Novantrone), which is an immunosuppressant on which clinical trials revealed that it could slow the progression of MS. This drug may not work, unless there is evidence of active inflammation. On the other hand, it has been linked to serious side effects, such as heart problems and leukemia.
6. Medications to treat specific symptoms , which can relieve the symptoms of muscle stiffness, fatigue, depression and incontinence. Recently, the US Food and Drug Administration authorized the drug dalfampridine (Ampyra) as a treatment to improve gait in adults with multiple sclerosis.

Apart from the medications, patients suffering from multiple sclerosis could benefit from receiving counseling and physiotherapy, as well as making modifications in their lifestyle to better control the symptoms.

Video Medicine: Multiple Sclerosis Treatment - Mayo Clinic (April 2024).