Treating Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Sadly, there is no cure for multiple sclerosis (MS), but there are a range of treatments and therapeutic strategies that can allow patients to:
- Manage their MS symptoms
- Slow the progress of the disease
- Improve overall function and safety
- Address exacerbations or relapses
- Live a better quality of life
People living with multiple sclerosis will have a team of healthcare professionals – headed by a neurologist – managing their comprehensive care plan. Neurologists will work closely with their patients from diagnosis through designing the treatment strategy and coordinating the efforts of other healthcare professionals.
(If you have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, you could qualify to participate in a MS clinical trial.)
Such a complex disease like multiple sclerosis requires a treatment plan that is specifically tailored to each patient, but here is an overview of general approach that will be taken.
Managing the Symptoms of MS
As this autoimmune disease progresses, the myelin in the central nervous system (CNS) is damaged to the point where the nerve signals are no longer able to travel smoothly between the brain and spinal cord. It is this interference that produces the various symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis. A comprehensive approach to treatment (combining rehabilitation and medications) can be used to manage these MS symptoms effectively.
MS Rehabilitation Programs
Rehabilitation programs are designed to help improve a patient’s ability to function effectively with their MS in their everyday lives. The programs are run by professionals with an expertise in energy management and fitness. These programs also address a variety of other issues related to MS, including:
- Speech issues
- Swallowing complications
- Memory and cognitive functioning
- Mobility and accessibility
These rehabilitation programs are an essential aspect of any effective treatment plan for MS. The programs will include:
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Cognitive and vocational rehabilitation
- Therapy for speech and swallowing problems
- Plus much more
Disease Modifying Medication
The FDA has approved ten disease-modifying medications for the treatment of MS patients in relapse. The drugs were designed to:
- Reduce the potency and prevalence of MS exacerbations
- Inhibit the onset of disability in patients
- Reduce the accumulation of lesions in the brain and spinal cord
Multiple sclerosis clinical trials have yet to produce a viable medication to tackle primary-progressive MS.
Addressing MS Attacks or Exacerbations
One of these attacks or exacerbations is the result of inflammation in the CNS. This inflicts significant damage to the myelin and can prohibit the transmission of nerve signals. These incidents can last for days or even months at a time ranging from mild to very severe. Corticosteroids are often prescribed to relieve the inflammation in these instances.
(Quick Fact: March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month, so mark your calendar and remember to wear orange.)
Addressing Emotional Health
In addition to nurturing overall physical health, any effective MS treatment plan will have a large focus on fortifying the patient’s emotional health as well. Depression, anxiety and other fluctuations in mood are common amongst people living with MS. Mental health professionals specialize in addressing these issues while providing strong support and education for patients and their loved ones.
This comprehensive care plan is an essential aspect of a MS patient’s health management strategy, but it doesn’t include everything. People living with this chronic disease should schedule routine visits to their primary physician and take other steps to look after their general well-being as well.