Multiple sclerosis (ms) is a chronic disease that usually affects the nerves in both the brain and spinal cord. Sclerosis means scarring, and in multiple sclerosis the nerves become severely scarred as a result of the nerve damage. And the symptoms of ms will depend on what part or what nerve becomes damaged, although the most common symptom of ms is optic neuritis of inflammation of the optic nerve resulting to blindness. Multiple sclerosis can also lead to a lessening of mental functions.But unlike other chronic disease, multiple sclerosis has no cure. However, there is multiple sclerosis therapies that can help patients cope with their disease.
Although no drug can cure multiple sclerosis, some “disease modifying drugs” can help lessen the symptoms and slow down the disease’s progression. One of the most common symptoms ms patients have to live with is pain attacks, which can be relieved by antidepressants or anticonvulsants -medications. Pain relievers like NSAIDs and anti-spasm medications can also help. And when an attack does occur, high dose corticosteroids can help shorten the period of the attack. Interferon medications have also had good results in ms patients.
However, like other drugs, such treatments will also have side effects. In interferon therapy for example, patients are likely to experience chills, fatigue, fever and soreness. Thus other complementary and alternative ms treatment can be used by the patient. Most ms patients suffer from symptoms like paralysis, numbness and weakness, which is why physical therapy can be helpful in lessening these symptoms. Massage therapy can also help in relieving tension and helping patient relax them, although massages cannot help the progression of the disease. Ms patients can also divulge in exercises such as tai-chi or yoga that can also help patients reduce their stress levels and revive their energy.
Acupuncture, which has been part of the Chinese medicine for centuries, has been found to help reduce symptoms like muscle spasms, pain and bladder problems. This, however, can cause infection like hepatitis due to unsterile acupuncture needles. This in acupuncture, it is important to main sterile conditions and sterile needles. Herbal supplementation, like evening primrose oil and vitamins like vitamin D and vitamin B12 has also been reported to lessen the prevalence of ms. Some radical treatments like the use of bee venom, which has anti-inflammatory effects has also been studied as a possible treatment in diminishing inflammation in ms. Some have proposed using marijuana in treating ms, since it is said that marijuana can help relieve spasms and other symptoms. There are also emerging data that stem cell therapy can help reducing the progression of the disease and not just relieve the symptoms.
Eating a health, balance diet is also important. But thebest ms treatment however, is maintaining a positive attitude despite this incurable disease. Although this does not cure ms, it will help reduce stress and can make patients feel better about them. A positive outlook can help patients live their live to the fullest despite their condition.
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