While it is true that there is currently no permanent relief from multiple sclerosis, there are, however, varieties of treatments and therapies that go beyond conventional medicine. In this article, we would look at the treatment options as well as complementary and alternative treatments that are commonly advised by physicians.
Drug Treatments
There are specific drugs and medications for each type of multiple sclerosis. However, usually, one drug may be prescribed for Secondary Progressive MS may be prescribed for Relapsing/Remitting MS. For reference, here are the general categories of medications for MS:
Commonly prescribed drugs such as Interferon Beta 1a and 1b, and Glatiramer Acetate
Chemotherapeutic Agents
Corticosteroids & ACTH or Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
Medications for altered sensations
Pain relievers
Medications for treating depression, insomnia and anxiety
Medications for fatigue
Medications for urinary and other bladder-related dysfunctions
Drugs for bowel-related problems
Drugs for sexual dysfunctions
Medications for tremors, tics, spasticity and clonus
Vaccinations and anti-virals
Drugs for vertigo
Experimental drug treatments such as Eliprodil and Diaminopyridine are mainly focused on improving the transmission of nerve signals from one neuron to another. Other experimental drugs aim to prevent the spread of viral infections.
Complementary Therapies
These therapies are normally inclusive of popular alternative therapies that are also commonly used for other diseases and disorders. Because many of such conditions are not yet fully understood and therefore lack appropriate treatments and cures, the scientific community presents other options within the non-conventional paradigm. Among these therapies are herbal remedies, acupuncture, yoga, aromatherapy, emotional healing, reflexology, meditation, chiropractic treatments, Pilates, hypnotherapy, homeopathy, use of antioxidants, and others. Many patients of multiple sclerosis find relief through these therapies which make them very likely choices as treatments. While they may not totally remove the symptoms or prevent them from relapsing, these treatment options, however, can relieve the patient from the pains and discomforts brought about by the symptoms.
Counseling, Telephone Counseling
Parts of a patient’s treatment are the face-to-face counseling and counseling over the phone or telephone counseling. These are commonly known as talk therapies. The main goal here is to provide emotional and psychological support for the sufferer. What’s good about these treatments is that the counselor fully understands the condition and may add considerably in the patient’s capacity to handle his disease.
Treatment against fatigue
Fatigue is commonly experienced by patients of multiple sclerosis, no matter what the type or how severe is the form. Thus, patients are encouraged to conquer this by doing some remedies such as proper dieting, conservation of energy, participating in regular workouts, and stress management.
Supplements
There are basically a few categories of supplements that may prove effective against multiple sclerosis and its symptoms. They are the vitamins A, B, C, D and E, trace minerals magnesium, manganese, zinc, copper, selenium and calcium, and oils such as fish oil, flax oil and EPO.
The aforementioned treatment methodologies are evidence enough that there are varieties of treatment options presented for individuals suffering from this condition. As there is currently no concrete knowledge on how to attack against the disease, the effectiveness of these modalities are uncertain. They are reassurances at best.
To fully maximize the treatments, one should seek the help of a professional who is knowledgeable in this field. It is advised that patients of multiple sclerosis undergo treatments as necessary.