Multiple sclerosis, which is often abbreviated to MS, is a chronic disease that attacks the central nervous system. There is evidence that tells us that it is an autoimmune disease, where your body's immune system starts attacking itself and it is not curable. However, if you or someone that you love has been diagnosed with this disorder, it is important to remember that there are many treatment out there that can effectively slow the progression of the disease down. Understanding MS is something that can take some time, but once you have the basic information, it is not so difficult.
MS is very much a disease that differs from person to person, and there are more than fifty symptoms that are associated with this disorder. Some people experience the symptoms in a mild fashion, while for other people, the symptoms are painfully debilitating. Numbness and tingling are two common symptoms, as is bladder and bowel dysfunction and dizziness or vertigo. Spasticity is another sign as is pain that cannot be explained and sexual dysfunction relating to these symptoms. Fatigue and depression are also common. These symptoms can also come and go, which make MS occasionally difficult to diagnose.
When looking to treat MS, it is worth noting that the drugs in question will usually act through slowing the disease. Currently, the most common drugs used to treat MS include Betaseron, Copaxone and Avonex, among others. These drugs are all designed to lesson the frequency of the symptoms and to avoid relapses once treatment has been begun. It is very important to utilize the right drug for treatment. For instance, Avonex is used to treat relapsing-remitting MS and it can reduce the relapse rate by thirty percent. Some side effects do include flu like symptoms with liver dysfunction and depression occurring more sporadically. Betaseron has the same function, but due to the fact that it is injected, it can also cause swelling, redness and pain.
It is worth noting that some of the real issues that come along with MS relate to the complications that are experienced. It is worth noting that the spasticity and the fatigue alone can be extremely problematic, leading to issues that can have results as shortening the life span. Also keep in mind that there is a significant emotional consequence to the disease, which can be as destructive as the physical components.
That being said, however, the prognosis regarding MS can be reasonably good. Maintenance and an attention to triggers can help enormously as can medication that is thoroughly investigated and tested for the person in question. There is also an increased interest in things like diet and exercise being used to treat this disorder. Vitamin D, an increase in Omega 3 fatty acids and an increased intake in antioxidants have all been thought to be helpful.
Take a moment to learn more about multiple sclerosis is something that can help you a great deal. The more information you have,the more informed your decisions will be.
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