A complex disease calls for a complex approach to treatment. There is
currently no cure for MS, so treatment includes management of symptoms,
slowing progression of the disease, treating exacerbation's and
addressing emotional health.
There are currently 10 medications that help slow the progression of MS. These are used to treat relapse and reduce the accumulation of lesions in the brain and spinal cord (remember, it is these lesions that cause slowing of nerve transmission that we talked about in our first post!).
MS exacerbations are caused my inflammation (swelling), particularly in the central nervous system. Remember, it is damage to the myelin that slows nerve transmission. When this inflammation is particularly increased, MS "flare-ups" are able to occur. Exacerbations decrease daily functioning and make the individual with MS particularly miserable. These are commonly treated with high-dose corticosteroids. These are medications that reduce inflammation!
Managing symptoms of MS include may include medications as well as rehabilitation. Rehabilitation focuses on increasing the function of the individual. Problems with mobility, speech, memory and cognitive function needs to be addressed and treated. All members of the health-care team can be included in this portion of treatment. Physical therapy (therapists that focus on rehabilitating movement and activities of individuals and speech therapy (professionals which provide therapy to increase speech function and swallowing function).
Depression, anxiety and general mood disorders are often associated with MS. Therefore, providing emotional support is an important part of treatment. Mental health professionals can help provide support as well as other health care professionals.
Works:
http://www.pharmacytimes.com/publications/specialty-pt/2011/february-2011/SPT-NPP-0211
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Treating-MS/Comprehensive-Care
http://www.spiraldream.org/tag/multiple-sclerosis-symptoms/
There are currently 10 medications that help slow the progression of MS. These are used to treat relapse and reduce the accumulation of lesions in the brain and spinal cord (remember, it is these lesions that cause slowing of nerve transmission that we talked about in our first post!).
MS exacerbations are caused my inflammation (swelling), particularly in the central nervous system. Remember, it is damage to the myelin that slows nerve transmission. When this inflammation is particularly increased, MS "flare-ups" are able to occur. Exacerbations decrease daily functioning and make the individual with MS particularly miserable. These are commonly treated with high-dose corticosteroids. These are medications that reduce inflammation!
Managing symptoms of MS include may include medications as well as rehabilitation. Rehabilitation focuses on increasing the function of the individual. Problems with mobility, speech, memory and cognitive function needs to be addressed and treated. All members of the health-care team can be included in this portion of treatment. Physical therapy (therapists that focus on rehabilitating movement and activities of individuals and speech therapy (professionals which provide therapy to increase speech function and swallowing function).
Depression, anxiety and general mood disorders are often associated with MS. Therefore, providing emotional support is an important part of treatment. Mental health professionals can help provide support as well as other health care professionals.
Works:
http://www.pharmacytimes.com/publications/specialty-pt/2011/february-2011/SPT-NPP-0211
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Treating-MS/Comprehensive-Care
http://www.spiraldream.org/tag/multiple-sclerosis-symptoms/
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