Treatment? 
Currently there are a number of drugs for MS that are not directly related to the management of the symptoms, but can influence the disease course. There are several drugs with interferon beta and glatiramer acetate with different administration modes (type and frequency of injections). All these drugs have influence on the frequency and intensity of flares, and the number of lesions according to the results obtained by MRI. Some drugs appear to produce a slow process of disability.
If a person is fit to undergo such treatments, if it can continue treatment with a drug, and to know wih which one, there are decisions that the person with MS need to take together with the medical couselors (family doctor, neurologist). It must be taken into consideration other factors as availability, cost, attitude of the Ministry of Health and the Health Insurance Houses, etc.. in deciding to seek treatment. For more details on access to treatment and the contacts of coordinators specialists of the national treatment program, you can call the Help Line SM 0800800044, toll free.
Contents:
- Enhancements
- Symptoms
- Change of disease
- Rehabilitation and Management
- How do I know if there is a method of healing or a new treatment?
Enhancements (of flares):
Treatment of acute enhancements of the disease is the administration of steroids that have a strong anti-inflammatory effect. Steroids reduce inflammation in areas of demyelination allowing rapid return to normal functions and reducing the time of flares. The most popular steroid which is methyl-prednisolone is given intravenously in high doses over 3-5 days followed by oral doses of prednisone over 1-2 weeks. It is assumed that the administration of steroids has no effect on long term on the disease.
Symptoms as:
- Fatigue
- Spasticity
- Bladder problems
- Shaking
- Depression Can be improved using a medication, and an appropriate therapy.
Your neurologist will be able to recommend and establish a therapeutic method for most MS symptoms.
Change of disease course :
Recently has been approved the use in MS of a number of new medicines (interferon beta and glatiramer acetate) that affect the frequency and severity of flares and the number of injuries occurring in MRI Long-term results have been published for interferon receiving approval for use in the U.S., Canada, Australia, UK and many European countries.
Possible side effects of interferon:
- reaction in the injection area :they may be limited by adopting an appropriate injection protocol, by rotating the injection points and by massaging these points;
- flu syndrome that includes fever, chills and muscle pain: This symptom is self-limited, disappearing within three months. Evening injection and their combination with tablets of paracetamol, aspirin or ibuprofen will minimize this side effect;
- depression was a side effect that occurred during the clinical trials, when few people have tried and even committed suicide. It is therefore important careful medical supervision during treatment.
Glatiramer acetate:
Results of clinical trials with glatiramer acetate were published. It has been a reduction in the flares rate.
Method of administration:
- Treatment with interferon and glatiramer acetate is self-administered by sub-cutaneous injections every second day or intramuscularly once a week or daily by sub-cutaneous injections, depending on the specific product recommended by your neurologist.
Rehabilitation and Management
Although the recovery of a function can not be complete, all people with MS would be better to try to optimize their physical mental and social condition. After a flare, there may be a need for a strong recovery . During periods when the disease is inactive people with MS should participate in programs of maintenance therapy to obtain and to maintain optimal physical condition. This therapy may include sessions of physiotherapy, stretching, coordination exercises, exercises for training the speech and swallowing. May also include: a drug treatment, adequate nutrition and counseling sessions. After a flare a need to produce some changes in lifestyle and social and occupational exists.
Where can I find out if there is a method of healing or a new treatment?
Your doctor, neurologist or SSMR will inform you when a treatment is effective, medically tested. The volume of research in MS is impressive. In 1994 there were over 1,000 researchers who studied 1300 subjects in 34 countries. MS community in the world is very well integrated in the informational network, so any information about the research work, and about management services is rapidly transmitted worldwide. Be cautious in terms of cure or treatment methods published in the press. Before beginning such treatment is necessary to consult with your doctor.
How effective are treatments?
Knowing that there is not a healing method for MS, there are many alternative approaches to the management of the disease. Alternative therapies refer to non-institutionalized treatments, non-traditional and, frequently, non-medical. Many of these are recommended without being scientifically tested, paramedical staff and zealous amateur. Although some alternative treatments do not damage too much, and some are even beneficial, people with MS should be cautious about claiming that treatment can modify the MS or even a cure. Some of the more bizarre healing methods are expensive, can be dangerous or born of desperation and need to be analyzed with common sense. Many of the new treatments or miraculous cures receive great attention from the media, even thou no one verified their origin and safety . Before an alternative treatment approach is recommended to visit and ask for additional information from the local MS Society or by your doctor.
