Multiple Sclerosis Treatment

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• QHow effective are the treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS)?

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  A Multiple Sclerosis Foundation answered

  With the currently available disease-modifying therapies, it is possible to slow the progression of disability. Some people respond quite well to these therapies and may experience little to no disease progression for years. For other people, the treatment may slow, but not stop the progression of MS. It is important for people who have been diagnosed with MS to be proactive. They should discuss their treatment options with their healthcare providers.

  Researchers estimate that at 20 years after a multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis, about one-third of people who receive no disease-modifying therapy may require a wheelchair or other assistive device.

  Finding the most appropriate treatment can be the key to getting the optimal benefits from MS therapies available today.

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• QWhat types of medications treat multiple sclerosis (MS)?

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  A HealthyWomen answered

  There is no cure for multiple sclerosis (MS), but some medications can modify the course of the disease, manage symptoms and treat exacerbations. These drugs include the following:

  • interferon beta-1b (Betaseron, Extavia)
  • glatiramer acetate (Copaxone)
  • mitoxantrone (Novantrone)
  • natalizumab (Tysabri)
  • fingolimod (Gilenya)
  • teriflunomide (Aubagio)
  • dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera)
  • alemtuzumab (Lemtrada)
  • daclizumab (Zinbryta)
  • ocrelizumab (Ocrevus)

  Steroids such as methylprednisolone often are prescribed to treat acute attacks of MS, whether the person is taking a disease-altering drug or not. These drugs speed the recovery from the acute attack but do not stop disease progression. Long-term use of steroids also has many side effects, including ulcers, weight gain, acne, cataracts, osteoporosis and diabetes.

  A process in which the antibodies are filtered from a person's blood called plasmapheresis may be successful, particularly when used in combination with immunosuppressants for short-term treatment of some progressive patients. However, its chronic use is controversial.

  For symptom management, health care professionals have an arsenal of medications. For example, baclofen (Lioresal) and tizanidine (Zanaflex) are antispasticity medications often prescribed to relieve muscle spasms, cramping and tightness of muscles in MS patients. Each has varying side effects in varying degrees. A health care professional should be able to find one that provides comfort and relief for almost any symptom.

  Botulinum toxin (Botox) also is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating specific MS symptoms, and a growing number of health care providers now use it as an effective short-term treatment option for certain types of MS-related problems, such as muscle stiffness and urinary problems, when first-line treatment is ineffective.

  This content originally appeared on HealthyWomen.org.

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• QIs there a cure for multiple sclerosis?

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  A HealthyWomen answered

  There is no cure for multiple sclerosis (MS), but there are medications that may reduce disease activity, reduce frequency of relapses and delay physical disability in people with MS. Many aspects of MS can be effectively managed with medications. Also, physical and occupational therapy (rehabilitation) may help improve impaired functions. Counseling may have a positive effect on the psychological toll the disease takes on a person and her family.

  This content originally appeared on HealthyWomen.org.

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• QHow is multiple sclerosis (MS) treated?

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  A NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital answered

  Because MS is such as variable disease, treatment for each patient is highly individualized. For most patients, treatment is likely to include some combination of medications. These include:

  • Drugs that modify the course of the disease. Medications currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration are beta interferons including Avonex®, Betaseron®, and Rebif®; glatiramer acetate (Copaxone®); natalizumab (Tysabri®); and mitoxantrone (Novantrone®).
  • A variety of therapies that alleviate the daily symptoms of MS (fatigue, depression, bowel and bladder problems, pain, numbness, tingling, stiffness, spasms, cognitive problems, weakness and sexual problems) are integral to the treatment of MS.
  • Intravenous anti-inflammatory corticosteroids can hasten recovery from acute relapses.

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• QShould I see a doctor about my benign multiple sclerosis?

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  A Dr. Steven A. Meyers, MD , Diagnostic Radiology, answered on behalf of NorthShore University HealthSystem

  Benign multiple sclerosis can only be diagnosed after someone has had multiple sclerosis that has not resulted in any disability after a period of many years. Regular follow up with a neurologist is very important in monitoring the progression of the disease.

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• QWhat are the treatment options for benign multiple sclerosis?

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  A Diana Meeks , Family Medicine, answered on behalf of Sigma Nursing

  The treatment options for benign multiple sclerosis (MS) are the same as those for any other form of MS. Medications like Copaxone, Tysabri and others can be prescribed to help slow the progress of the disease and relieve symptoms. The most commonly prescribed medications are anti-inflammatory corticosteroids. Beyond medication, a procedure called plasma exchange separates the plasma from your blood, which can help combat more severe symptoms. Patients can also attend physical therapy to learn about tools that may help them move around such as braces or crutches, and to work with a trainer to stretch and build their muscles. The fact that benign MS can only be diagnosed in retrospect is unfortunate. If we were able to identify it earlier, patients might be able to avoid unnecessary treatments that can be both uncomfortable and expensive.

  There are no alternative treatments designed specifically for benign multiple sclerosis (MS) but there are a few that may help MS in general. Many people claim that acupuncture can help ease symptoms of MS like pain, fatigue, numbness, anxiety and depression. Just keep in mind that there is no medical proof to back any of this up. There is however undeniable evidence that exercise can help increase energy, strengthen your muscles, and improve flexibility and mobility, which might help you in the long run. Eating a healthy diet and getting proper sleep are also important for managing symptoms.

• QCan herbs help treat multiple sclerosis (MS)?

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  A Multiple Sclerosis Foundation answered

  Adding healthy herbs and supplements to any diet can improve overall motor and cognitive functioning, but for those with multiple sclerosis (MS), these natural additives can be especially helpful. Many doctors suggest naturally occurring herbs and minerals to help people counteract common MS symptoms. Although they should not replace prescribed medications, taking herbs like ginger, chamomile and dandelion can help you manage your MS symptoms by reducing inflammation and strengthening the immune system.
  
  The list of herbs and supplements available to people with MS is extensive, but remember to moderate your consumption of these plants and vitamins until you are certain of how your body will react to them. They can never act as replacements for regularly prescribed medication but can be added to help alleviate tension, fatigue and other conditions that are caused by or exacerbate symptoms.
  
  Check with your doctor before you make any changes to your diet, and remember to stop eating something if it makes you feel ill. However, if your doctor gives you the green light, herbs can be a great alternative remedy to helping you reduce inflammation in your body and ultimately manage your symptoms.
• QCan I use CAM therapies with my prescription medication for MS?

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  A Multiple Sclerosis Foundation answered

  There is not enough information to show whether any complimentary and alternative (CAM) therapies interfere with the prescription drugs used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). If you have MS, work closely with your healthcare professional to decide whether any CAM therapies would be good choices in a particular situation; if you are already using CAM therapies, talk to your healthcare professional about whether evidence for those therapies is available. 
• QHow is a person with MS who has urinary voiding dysfunction treated?

  1 Answer

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  A Multiple Sclerosis Foundation answered

  Urinary voiding dysfunction in people with multiple sclerosis is commonly caused by sphincter dysnergia, which is a lack of coordination between the bladder muscle and the sphincter. Medications that can help relax the bladder sphincter can cause low blood pressure upon standing, and the older population should be monitored closely. 
• QHow can I get a fever down if I have multiple sclerosis (MS)?

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  A Multiple Sclerosis Foundation answered

  Many people with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience temperature sensitivity. A change in core body temperature can cause a temporary worsening of symptoms, such as blurry vision, numbness or tingling. Heat is more commonly the culprit, but some people also experience similar effects in cool conditions too. It is important to keep this in mind, especially if you live somewhere that experiences extreme temperature changes, have a fever or are exercising.
  
  If you are sick and have a fever, it's important to keep your fever down. Contact your doctor. Over­the­counter medications can be used, and cold showers and ice packs positioned in areas with a lot of blood vessels such as the armpits, groin and the back of the neck, can help. Be sure never to place ice directly on the skin; wrap it in a towel or other insulator.
  
  If you experience worsening MS symptoms in hot or cool conditions, make sure to listen to your body and try different strategies in order to find the one that works for you.