Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that affects the optic nerves, spinal cord, and brain, causing issues with muscle control, vision, balance, and other body functions. The effects vary from person to person. In this condition, the immune system attacks the myelin sheath surrounding the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Individuals with milder forms of MS can function without treatment, but severe cases can lead to a deterioration of one’s health, resulting in death.
While there are no treatments for multiple sclerosis that can cure the condition fully, dietary changes and changes in lifestyle can help manage the disease.
1. Types of multiple sclerosis
There are 4 types of multiple sclerosis, these are as follows:
- Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS)
This is the most common type wherein individuals have relapses of the condition with remission occurring in between.
- Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS)
The symptoms progressively get worse over time without any relapse or remissions.
- Primary Progressive MS (PPMS)
This is characterized by the worsening of neurological functions and is the case in approximately 15% of the people diagnosed with the condition.
- Progressive Relapsing MS (PRMS)
Individuals with this type won’t have relapses or remissions as the disease steadily worsens. It is the least common type.
2. Treatments for multiple sclerosis
The ways in which the medications are administered to treat the condition are either orally or intravenously. Here are some of the examples of the ways medications can be given via an IV.
- Beta interferons
These are very commonly used to treat this condition. They ease the intensity of the symptoms and treat the disease by boosting the immune system. - Glatiramer
This medication prevents your immune system from attacking the myelin which is the protective cover around the nerves.
Oral medication is used in the treatments for multiple sclerosis and some of them are:
- Teriflunomide
This is a tablet that is taken once a day. It has side effects that include diarrhea, nausea, hair loss, and abnormal liver tests and must be taken only if prescribed by a doctor. - Fingolimod
This tablet is also taken once a day and causes side effects such as back pain, headache, diarrhea, abnormal liver tests, and cough. One is usually monitored closely after receiving this medication. - Dimethyl fumarate
This is a tablet that is taken twice a day. It lowers the immune cells and so, regular blood tests are needed to keep an eye on one’s condition. Common side effects of this medication include stomach pains, flushing, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
The other medications that are used as treatments for multiple sclerosis are given once in a while by infusion into the vein. These are needed only once in a few months and include Natalizumab, Ocrelizumab, and Alemtuzumab.
3. Treating flare-ups of multiple sclerosis
If one is taking medication, it may reduce the chances of flare-ups, but in case of its occurrence, treatments for multiple sclerosis flare-ups include plasma exchange or even steroids.
4. Lifestyle changes as treatments for multiple sclerosis
Medication alone may not be sufficient to treat this condition. One needs to ensure that they make certain lifestyle changes to live a healthier life with multiple sclerosis.
- Ensure to get a lot of sleep
- Follow a healthy diet
- Stay active and perform mild exercises
- Manage stress effectively
- Ensure the body temperature is not high