Multiple sclerosis is a condition of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information exchange within the brain and also between the brain and the body. Patients suffering from multiple sclerosis may exhibit symptoms different from one another. Some common symptoms include muscle weakness and spasms, trouble with walking, blurry vision, tiredness, numbness, poor bladder control, pain, and even depression. Moreover, there are cases where the symptoms are so mild that one may not need to undergo any rigorous multiple sclerosis treatment. Those who experience severe symptoms may face difficulties in moving around and performing basic tasks.

Treatment options for multiple sclerosis

There is no known cure for multiple sclerosis but certain lifestyle changes and proper medications will ensure that one can manage this condition.

• Medications for inflammation: In these situations, corticosteroids like intravenous methylprednisolone and oral prednisone are given for reducing inflammation in the nerves. However, these may have side effects like increased blood pressure, fluid retention, and insomnia. The treatment for modifying the progression of this condition include ocrelizumab, which is meant for primary-progressive multiple sclerosis and is the only therapy approved by the FDA.
• Plasma exchange or plasmapheresis: This is a multiple sclerosis treatment where the liquid part of the blood or plasma is separated from blood cells. These blood cells are mixed with albumin or a protein solution and then reinserted into the body. This treatment works when the symptoms are new but severe, and the condition has not responded to medications.

Some other treatments for multiple sclerosis are as follows:

• Disease-modifying therapies are effective for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. However, they may pose health hazards as these include Beta interferons, which are most commonly used and injected beneath the skin to reduce the intensity and frequency of relapses. There may be side effects like skin irritation where it is injected. Besides, there are oral medicines which may lower relapses. However, even these have side effects, and only work for those who have relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Patients without relapses will not benefit from such therapy and instead, end up experiencing side effects.
• The multiple sclerosis treatment for symptoms like fatigue includes amantadine, which however, has only a limited effect. Here, performing regular exercises, maintaining healthy sleep patterns, avoiding medicines which can trigger fatigue are recommended.
• Multiple sclerosis treatment for muscle stiffness and spasms include physiotherapy. Stretching exercises may benefit one when their movements are very restricted. For more severe muscle spasms, medicines are given to help relax them.
• For mobility problems, exercise programs with physiotherapists are recommended. Special workouts like vestibular rehabilitation help with balance, while there are medicines for tremors and dizziness.
• Musculoskeletal pains are common when one has multiple sclerosis, and these can be treated with physiotherapy. Painkillers may be used in the case of severe pain.
• For memory and learning problems, one will need to visit a clinical psychologist who can also help them tackle emotional problems. Often antidepressants and therapies like CBT are used for treating depression.