How to manage with multiple sclerosis
How to manage with multiple sclerosis by Groshan
Fabiola
Being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis might make you feel
confused, scared, concerned. There is no cure for multiple
sclerosis yet but the existing treatments and possibilities are a
good way of reducing symptoms.
Multiple sclerosis is quite difficult to be diagnosed because its
symptoms vary according with its stages. In young people multiple
sclerosis occurs with the following symptoms: blurred vision,
suddenly double vision and movement problems and abnormal
sensations in scattered parts of the body.
AIDS, lupus, arteritis, hereditary ataxias, Guillain-Barr?
syndrome, Lyme disease, a cyst in the spinal cord are the diseases
with which differential diagnosis must be done so as to clarify the
diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. To perform various tests samples
of cerebrospinal fluid are needed. In multiple sclerosis the
antibodies concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid is high, the
white blood cell count and protein content of the fluid may be
higher. MRI or magnetic resonance imaging is the best procedure to
detect multiple sclerosis and confirms the diagnosis, helps
detecting the areas of active inflammation and demyelination.
In multiple sclerosis the brain?s response to the stimuli such as:
flashing lights and other sensory stimuli are slow because of the
interrupted conduction through demyelinated nerve fibers.
Treatment
Early treatment is very important because the brain is not damaged
entirely and physical disability can be slowed in its progression.
Learn from your doctor about optional therapies and any possible
ways of getting your life improved.
The most used treatment in multiple sclerosis were corticosteroids,
for example Meticorten. But they do not stop the progression of the
disability. For people who have affected the optic nerve
corticosteroids are given intravenously. If used for a long time
corticosteroids have many side effects such as: ulcers, weight
gain, diabetes, fatigue, decreased bone density. Other treatments
are: interferon-beta Betaseron injections, Rebif, Avonex that
reduce the frequency relapses and help prevent the later
disability.
There are available the following products: acetate injections
Copaxone, Novantrone which can reduce the relapses and the
progression of the disease. Interferons and gamma globulins
interviene in the distruction of the myelin and destroy the
abnormal antibodies. For relieving the pain propanolol is used. To
reduce the tremor doctors prescribe Inderal, Symmetrel to relieve
the fatigue, to treat depression Endep, Elavil and Zoloft.
It is important to maintain an active lifestyle with physical
exercises such as: riding a stationary bicycle, swimming, walking,
stretching that reduces spasticity and maintain a muscular,
cardiovascular, psychologic health. Do not expose yourself at high
temperatures and do not have hot baths or showers. In choosing a
multiple sclerosis treatment one should consider effectiveness,
side effects and convenience because multiple sclerosis is a long
life disease. Ask your doctor about the risks and benefits your
treatment provides you safety, side effects, ease of use.
Changes in your life style have great effect, in treating multiple
sclerosis, exercise, diet. Infusion therapy is an option for some
of the patients with multiple sclerosis, because it prevents
inflammation and further damage.
We recommend you clicking this site http://www.multiple-sclerosis-center.com
for more multiple sclerosis subjects like
multiple sclerosis treatment or
symptoms of multiple sclerosis
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