Treatment Options for Multiple Sclerosis

Treatment Options for Multiple Sclerosis

To date, there isn’t a cure for multiple sclerosis. The treatment options for multiple sclerosis help to manage symptoms, reduce multiple sclerosis progression, and helps one recover quickly from the attacks.

Attack-related treatment
There are two treatment options for multiple sclerosis that are focused on helping the patient recover from this condition. These are corticosteroids and plasma exchange. Corticosteroids are useful for helping reduce inflammation. Examples of corticosteroids include intravenous methylprednisolone and prednisone. Plasma exchange or plasmapheresis is used when one is experiencing new symptoms that are severe. It is used when the body hasn’t responded well to steroids. The process of plasma exchange involves removing plasma and then separating the blood cells. Albumin is then mixed with these blood cells and then put into the body.

Progression-related treatment
The patient can opt for progression-related treatment options for multiple sclerosis. The doctor might recommend ocrelizumab for primary-progressive multiple sclerosis. At present, this is the only FDA-approved DMT that exists. This can lower the risk of multiple sclerosis progressing compared to those who don’t receive this treatment. The doctor might recommend relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis therapies such as follows.

  • Numerous oral treatments can be recommended. Teriflunomide helps reduce the rate of relapse. Fingolimod helps reduce the relapse rate too. Siponimod is a medication that helps to lower the multiple sclerosis progression and can be helpful in secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis. Dimethyl fumarate is a medicine that needs to be taken twice a day and helps lower the rate of relapse.
  • Injectable medications such as glatiramer acetate and beta interferons can be recommended. Glatiramer acetate is used to prevent the immune system from attacking the myelin. It should be injected underneath the skin. Beta interferons can help reduce relapse severity and frequency. These should be injected into a muscle or under the skin.
  • There are infusion treatments that are available too. Natalizumab can be recommended if one has severe multiple sclerosis. Mitoxantrone is rarely used to treat this condition, but it is useful in cases when it is in the advanced stage. Alemtuzumab is used to reduce the relapse of multiple sclerosis but can increase the risk of autoimmune conditions. Ocrelizumab is an immunoglobulin antibody medication that also helps reduce to reduce the rate of relapse.

There are various treatment options for multiple sclerosis that help one manage the signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Here are some of the common treatments given.

  • Physical therapy can be used so that one can perform daily tasks easily. A physical therapist teaches the patient how they can use devices and helps them with strengthening exercises. A mobility aid can be given by the specialist, in addition, to help the patient manage problems such as weakness in their legs.
  • Medications can be administered for enabling the patient to walk faster and reducing tiredness. Dalfampridine can be given to help them walk faster. Modafinil and amantadine are sometimes given for reducing tiredness. The doctor may prescribe other medications for insomnia and depression as these problems are associated with multiple sclerosis.
  • Muscle relaxants are prescribed if the patient experiences symptoms such as muscle spasms and stiffness. People with multiple sclerosis generally have uncontrollable muscle problems that are often accompanied by pain. The muscle relaxants can give relief in such cases.

Alternative treatments

  • There are various alternative treatment options for multiple sclerosis. However, it is best if one consults their doctor before they start any treatment. Acupuncture can help some people as it helps regain one’s energy flow. Thin needles are put in various meridian points in the body. Some studies have shown the benefits of this treatment.
  • Vitamin D deficiency can lead to multiple sclerosis. There is ongoing research about whether supplements of this vitamin will help.
  • Quite a few relaxation techniques have shown to be helpful as well.