What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple Sclerosis, also known as MS, is a progressive disease that occurs in the central nervous system and affects the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves (WebMD). MS occurs when myelin sheath, a protective fatty material in the brain and spinal cord, is damaged. This causes impaired nerves, lesions and patches, which interrupt the messages that are sent along the nerves (Better Health Channel).
Problems with vision, balance, muscle control, breathing, speaking, swallowing, bowel function and other simple body functions can occur to someone who has been diagnosed with MS (Healthline). However, the effects and severity of the disease are unpredictable and vary for everyone (EverydayHealth.com). For example, some people have a mild case of MS, while others can have trouble carrying out day-to-day duties.
There are four different types of MS. They are:
What is the general treatment and management of MS?
There is no way to cure Multiple Sclerosis. However, there are many medications and therapies that can be used to help treat a person's relapses and manage symptoms in order to benefit their comfort and quality of life (National Multiple Sclerosis Society). Drugs can reduce the frequency and severity of MS attacks and also slow down the process of Multiple Sclerosis, minimising disabilities that may come about in the future (WebMD).
Treatments used in a Multiple Sclerosis attack are corticosteroids, which are used to reduce nerve inflammation and effectively speed up recovery from relapses, and plasma exchange (plasmapheresis), which is used if the patient has serious symptoms and has not responded to steroids (Trust).
According to a variety of sources, including MS Trust, disease-modifying drugs are drugs that slow down the progression of MS in some people. These are taken in three forms - as tablets, injected through needles or infused through a catheter (a small tube that inserts or removes fluid into or from the body). Disease-modifying drugs include Avonex, Rebif, Betaseron, Copaxone, Aubagio, Lemtrada and Novantrone. All of these drugs work to decrease the frequency of MS attacks and slow down the occurrence of physical disabilities (Avonex.com, National Multiple Sclerosis Society).
For many people with MS, complementary and alternative therapies can be a good way to help ease symptoms and manage pain, aside from relying on medical treatment constantly. These different methods of therapy include:
Multiple Sclerosis, also known as MS, is a progressive disease that occurs in the central nervous system and affects the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves (WebMD). MS occurs when myelin sheath, a protective fatty material in the brain and spinal cord, is damaged. This causes impaired nerves, lesions and patches, which interrupt the messages that are sent along the nerves (Better Health Channel).
Problems with vision, balance, muscle control, breathing, speaking, swallowing, bowel function and other simple body functions can occur to someone who has been diagnosed with MS (Healthline). However, the effects and severity of the disease are unpredictable and vary for everyone (EverydayHealth.com). For example, some people have a mild case of MS, while others can have trouble carrying out day-to-day duties.
There are four different types of MS. They are:
- Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS), the most common form of Multiple Sclerosis, which affects 85% of MS patients and involves having temporary relapses or periods of worsening where new symptoms appear (Multiplesclerosis.com).
- Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS), where there is a development of disability. Most people with RRMS will progress to SPMS over time (Msaustralia.org.au).
- Primary Progressive MS (PPMS), which affects 10% of people with MS and involves symptoms steadily worsening over time. There are no remissions or relapses for people with PPMS.
- Progressive Relapsing MS (PRMS), a rare form of MS, affecting 5% of Multiple Sclerosis patients, has a gradual development of disability, but continues without reduced affects. There may or may not be times of recovery for people with PRMS (MS International Federation).
What is the general treatment and management of MS?
There is no way to cure Multiple Sclerosis. However, there are many medications and therapies that can be used to help treat a person's relapses and manage symptoms in order to benefit their comfort and quality of life (National Multiple Sclerosis Society). Drugs can reduce the frequency and severity of MS attacks and also slow down the process of Multiple Sclerosis, minimising disabilities that may come about in the future (WebMD).
Treatments used in a Multiple Sclerosis attack are corticosteroids, which are used to reduce nerve inflammation and effectively speed up recovery from relapses, and plasma exchange (plasmapheresis), which is used if the patient has serious symptoms and has not responded to steroids (Trust).
According to a variety of sources, including MS Trust, disease-modifying drugs are drugs that slow down the progression of MS in some people. These are taken in three forms - as tablets, injected through needles or infused through a catheter (a small tube that inserts or removes fluid into or from the body). Disease-modifying drugs include Avonex, Rebif, Betaseron, Copaxone, Aubagio, Lemtrada and Novantrone. All of these drugs work to decrease the frequency of MS attacks and slow down the occurrence of physical disabilities (Avonex.com, National Multiple Sclerosis Society).
For many people with MS, complementary and alternative therapies can be a good way to help ease symptoms and manage pain, aside from relying on medical treatment constantly. These different methods of therapy include:
- Acupuncture, which helps reduce the pain and severity of muscle spasms
- Massages, which relax tense muscles and sooth the skin
- Meditation, which clears the person's mind and encourages peace and greater alertness
- Primrose and fish oil supplements, which dramatically reduce the severity and length of an MS attack (Msaustralia.org.au)
- Supervised physical exercises, which reduce fatigue and improve bowel health, mobility, power and the person's mood