Multiple Sclerosis Treatment
The central nervous system, which involves the brain and spinal cord, integrates and controls nearly all bodily activities. These include bodily movements, sensing, balance control, coordination, respiration, and more. The communication between the brain and other body parts is quick and efficient because of the protective coat called myelin sheath covering the nerve fibres (axon) of the brain and spinal cord.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common neurological disabling disorder, an autoimmune disease wherein the immune system mistakenly attacks and damages the myelin layer of neuronal cells in the brain and spinal cord. The term multiple sclerosis refers to the distinctive areas of lesions or plaques- the scar tissues that occur because of the immune system cells attacking myelin. It mostly occurs in young adults who have onset of symptoms generally at ages between 20-40 years. It is a chronic condition that affects individuals differently.
Mostly, multiple sclerosis patients have a normal life expectancy, however, they require special care to lead a good quality of life. At Arete Hospitals, top-notch Neurologists in Hyderabad are available who are leading experts in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis.
Benefits of Getting Multiple Sclerosis Treatment
- Physical therapy can help improve muscle strength and alleviate some multiple sclerosis symptoms.
- The use of muscle relaxants may aid in treating painful or uncontrollable muscle stiffness or spasms.
- Medications may also be given for multiple sclerosis-related fatigue, depression, pain, sexual dysfunction, insomnia, and bladder or bowel control issues.
- Plasmapheresis can help get rid of unhealthy/compromised immune cells.
Causes and Risk Factors of Multiple Sclerosis
There are numerous possible causes of MS, including:
- Autoimmune condition- Researchers believe that the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin of the brain and spinal cord by identifying normal myelin as foreign, due to molecular mimicry, or by destroying myelin cells because of their poor health.
- Infectious agents, such as viruses- The virus most commonly found to be linked to the development of MS is Epstein Barr Virus.
- Environmental factors- MS develops more in people not being exposed much to the sun and those who have low Vitamin D levels in their bodies.
- Genetic factors- Susceptibility to Multiple Sclerosis may be inherited.
Experts believe that genetic susceptibility and external factors cause multiple sclerosis. Among the known risk factors of multiple sclerosis are:
- Being aged under 40 years
- Being a female
- Having a family history of first-degree relations
- Being Caucasian
- Having low vitamin D levels
- Exposure to cold weather or limited sun exposure
- Being obese.
Signs and Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is of four main types: Relapsing-remitting MS, Secondary Progressive MS, Primary Progressive MS, and Progressive Relapsing MS. Over 90% of patients with multiple sclerosis have the relapsing-remitting form, with the rest having various types. Relapsing-remitting variety is characterised by acute symptoms known as relapses.
Early multiple sclerosis symptoms include:
- Sudden, painful partial or entire vision loss over a few days (optic neuritis) or other vision problems like blurred or double vision
- Numbness or weakness in the limbs and muscle stiffness accompanied by painful muscle spasms
- Tingling sensation in the face or trunk
- An electric-shock-like sensation that runs down the neck and lower back after specific neck movements
- Bladder control issues
- Constant or intermittent dizziness
- Clumsiness, especially facing balance problems when standing.
Some late symptoms of multiple sclerosis include:
- Mood fluctuations such as depression or difficulty in expressing or controlling emotion
- Cognitive dysfunction including memory issues, concentration problems, learning difficulties, and others
- Mental and physical fatigue.
Most people heal from multiple sclerosis relapses. However, some have residual deficits that develop over time and result in disabilities such as:
- Tremors and a shaky stride
- Gradual exhaustion
- Progressive loss of independent ambulation
- Leg and arm stiffness
- Compromised control of sphincter muscles.
If anyone is experiencing these symptoms, then it can be a sign of multiple sclerosis. One can get in touch with the Best Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Doctors in Hyderabad at Arete Hospitals to get this disease diagnosed and treated at the initial stages to prevent the worsening of the concern.
Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis
There is no definitive test used to diagnose multiple sclerosis. Usually, the diagnosis involves the review of the patient’s complete medical history, a thorough physical examination, and a detailed neurological examination. Multiple sclerosis is confirmed when the developing symptoms are related to different parts of the nervous system at more than one interval and after the exclusion of other medical conditions that show similar symptoms.
The different tests to confirm the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis performed by Best Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Doctors in Hyderabad include:
- Blood tests: These are performed to help rule out other medical conditions with symptoms similar to multiple sclerosis. It often includes finding levels of inflammatory markers, autoimmune antibodies, and a vascular workup.
- Lumbar puncture/spinal tap: During this procedure, a small amount of the spinal fluid will be extracted using a needle inserted into the spinal canal in the back area. The fluid retrieved will be tested for the presence of unique inflammatory cells and proteins known as oligoclonal bands found in up to 90% of multiple sclerosis patients.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): It is a medical imaging test performed to detect areas of myelin degradation in the brain and spinal cord. The procedure may involve the use of intravenous injection of a contrast agent or special dye to enhance the images of the active MS lesions in the brain or spinal cord. This test has rapidly grown into the most significant test for identifying and monitoring multiple sclerosis.
- Evoked potential tests: The procedure involves placing electrodes underneath the skin and transmitting painless electrical signals. It is done to measure the brain's electrical response to visual, auditory, and sensory stimuli and determine whether messages are slowing in different parts of the brain.
Multiple Sclerosis Treatment in Hyderabad
The treatments focus on speeding up recovery from attacks, reducing disease progression, and managing symptoms. Some people's signs of MS are so minor that no treatment is required.
Treatment options for multiple sclerosis attacks:
- Corticosteroids may be given to relieve nerve irritation.
- Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis)- This treatment involves the removal of the liquid portion of blood that may carry harmful antibodies while maintaining the blood cells. The remaining blood cells are then combined with a protein solution (albumin) and reintroduced into the body to provide new immune cells.
Treatments to slow the progression of multiple sclerosis:
- Ocreli-zumab (Ocr-evus) is a medication that can help minimise the risk of disease progression in those with primary-progressive multiple sclerosis.
- There are various disease-modifying medicines available for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. These tend to be beneficial if taken early in the disease when much of the immunological response associated with multiple sclerosis is happening.
Treatments to manage multiple sclerosis symptoms:
Injectable therapies- Relapses can be reduced in frequency and severity by using interferon beta medicines. Glatir-amer acet-ate - may help protect myelin from immune system attacks.
Oral treatments- Fingol-imod (G-ilenya), given once daily, may lower the relapse rate. Dimet-hyl fum-arate (Tecfid-era) can help minimize relapses when taken twice daily. Terif-lunomide (Aubag-io), given once daily, can lower the risk of recurrence.
Prevention of Multiple Sclerosis
People may be at low risk of multiple sclerosis if they keep their immune systems healthy. Following are some ways to keep the immune system in good health and prevent the worsening of multiple sclerosis:
- Eat a healthy diet: Experts recommend a well-balanced diet that contains fruits and vegetables, grains, healthy fats, and lean protein. Limit the consumption of added sugars, unhealthy fats, and refined foods.
- Regularly perform exercises: Muscle weakness, loss of balance, and trouble walking are common symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Aerobic exercise, flexibility, and strength training are necessary to maintain muscle strength and physical function.
- Manage stress: Stress can have both physical and emotional impacts. It can also disrupt sleep, exacerbating multiple sclerosis-related tiredness. Finding techniques to cope with stress is critical, such as yoga, meditation, exercise, and working with a mental health professional.
- Avoid smoking and restrict alcohol use: Smoking and alcohol consumption have been linked to worsening multiple sclerosis symptoms and may hasten the disease's progression.
1. Is multiple sclerosis fatal?
Multiple sclerosis is not commonly seen as a fatal condition. The majority of people with multiple sclerosis have an average life expectancy.
2. Will physical activity and exercise aggravate my multiple sclerosis?
No. One of the most important and valuable things a person with multiple sclerosis can do to preserve their health and bodily functions is to engage in regular exercise and physical activity. If a person with multiple sclerosis becomes overheated while exercising, they may temporarily experience worsening of their MS symptoms, but this can be managed with cooling strategies.
3. What is the cost of multiple sclerosis treatment in Hyderabad?
The cost of multiple sclerosis treatment in Hyderabad can vary significantly based on factors like the type of treatment, severity of the condition, and experience of the doctor. It typically includes medication, therapy, and monitoring.
For more details get in touch with Neurologists in Hyderabad at Arete Hospitals. The doctors at the hospital specialise in treating any disorders of the nervous system, including conditions like multiple sclerosis. They are trained to diagnose, manage, and provide treatment options for individuals with multiple sclerosis.
Contact Multiple Sclerosis Specialists in Hyderabad at Arete Hospitals for more details!
