Multiple Sclerosis Pictures

Ms Myelin Destruction

Multiple Sclerosis Radiology

Plaque Build-up From Multiple Sclerosis

Can Multiple Sclerosis be treated?

At present, there is no cure for MS; however, there are effective treatments that can help reduce the severity and frequency of exacerbations and help manage the symptoms.

Two common courses of treatment include drug therapy or alternative healing methods. commonly known as holistic treatments.

Until recently, the primary medications used to treat MS exacerbations were steroids possessing anti-inflammatory properties, such as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), betamethasone, and dexamethasone. These drug treatments are usually more effective on people with movement, rather than sensory, symptoms.

There are also a group of treatments known as the ABC drugs that have gained in use over the past decade. Betaseron and Avonex are two types of interferons used to decrease the frequency of exacerbations in individuals with relapsing-remitting MS and help slow the progression of the disease. Copaxone is the third drug and has helped many of those who have been unable to take the first two, or it can also be taken in conjunction with Betaseron or Avonex. All three drugs have made positive differences in many of those who have chosen them as a treatment.

For severe exacerbations, drug treatments with corticosteroids are available. Corticosteroids are hormones produced in the human body by the adrenal glands that shorten the duration and intensity of MS attacks.

Some MS sufferers opt for alternative therapies including acupuncture, osteopathy, homeopathy, aromatherapy, and reflexology. Many people find a combination of drug therapy and alternative methods achieve the best results.

For MS patients who develop trigeminal neuralgia, a severe facial pain syndrome, there are several drug therapies or surgeries that can manage the pain.