Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis
By Julie Stachowiak, Ph.D., About.com Guide to Multiple Sclerosis
Many advances have been made in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). Disease-modifying treatments are improving quality of life for patients by preventing and reducing relapses and disability.
- Disease-Modifying Therapies
- Treatment of Relapses
- Complementary and Alternative Therapies
- Treatment Tips and Facts
- Injection Tips for People with MS
- Medication Warnings and "Heads Up"
- Medications That Can Cause Fatigue in People with MS
- Treatment of Symptoms
Disease-Modifying Therapies
Disease-modifying treatments are medications for multiple sclerosis that alter the course of MS by slowing the progression of the disease. Before choosing an MS treatment, you should review all the differences in the medications carefully.
Treatment of Relapses
Many relapse symptoms can be treated with high-dose corticosteroids, usually Solu-Medrol. The decision is made to treat a relapse based on how much disability the symptoms are causing and how much they interfere with daily activities. The steroid treatment usually significantly shortens the duration of the most severe symptoms, allowing a faster return to normal activities. However, some symptoms may take a longer time to dissipate or never quite clear up entirely.
- The Solu-Medrol Experience
- Solu-Medrol Side Effects and Tips
- Solu-Medrol and Acne
- Solu-Medrol and Anxiety
Complementary and Alternative Therapies
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches for multiple sclerosis (MS) are widely used for symptom relief and relaxation. CAM approaches include: yoga, acupuncture, reflexology, chiropractic, herbal therapy, reiki and others.
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) and MS
- Choosing a CAM Approach for MS
- Does Acupuncture Work for MS?
- Reflexology and MS
- The Benefits of Cranberry Juice
- Bee Venom Therapy for People with MS
- Vitamin D for People with MS
- Vitamin B12 for People with MS
- Selenium for People with MS
Treatment Tips and Facts
Staying adherent to disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis (MS) can be difficult. It not only requires remembering to give an injection or schedule an infusion, it also means that you have to have the right mindset to keep to a medication schedule, even when side effects or other obstacles make it difficult. Learn some tips to help you stay adherent to your MS meds.
- Adherence Tips and Insight
- Prepare Your Veins for an Infusion
- Doctors Not Prescribing Enough MS Drugs
- Why Aren't More People With MS on Treatment?
- Am I Too Old for Treatment?
- How Long Do I Have to Be Off Treatment Before Getting Pregnant?
- Neutralizing Antibodies and Disease-Modifying Therapies for MS
Injection Tips for People with MS
None of us particularly like the injections or infusions that come as part of the MS package. However, there are some things we can do to make them go a little bit better.
- Use Visualization to Reduce Stress While Injecting
- When to Massage Injection Sites
- Ease the Pain of Injection by Finding a Helper
- Make Injections Easier by Breathing
- Make Injections More Pleasant with a Ritual
- Prepare Your Veins for Infusions
Medication Warnings and "Heads Up"
As we know, most medications have potential side effects. We just try to make sure that the benefits of any treatments we are using outweigh any risks or discomforts. It is important to be aware of all side effects and potential interactions of any medications that you are taking.
Medications That Can Cause Fatigue in People with MS
Fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) is a result of many factors. While the disease itself is responsible for most of the disabling fatigue that the majority of us experience, it is important to be aware that many of the medications that we take for our MS symptoms, as well as for other problems, may be contributing to our fatigue.
- Antihistamines Can Worsen MS-Related Fatigue
- NSAIDs Can Worsen MS-Related Fatigue
- Tremor Medications That Can Worsen MS-Related Fatigue
- Bladder Dysfunction Medications That Can Worsen MS-Related Fatigue
Treatment of Symptoms
There are many medications, surgeries and therapies that can reduce the discomfort of MS symptoms. Don't think you need to suffer with your symptoms - always ask your doctor if there is something you can do or take to make life a little easier.
