How is Multiple Sclerosis treated?
For the last decade or so, there have been several new therapies available that can significantly help those who suffer from Multiple Sclerosis. In general, these treatments target the immune system to make it less active. In doing so, the auto-immune reaction and antibodies against myelin are reduced making the disease in theory less active. Some of the older agents as well as some of the more aggressive therapies actually suppress the immune system to the point that the body may be vulnerable to other infections. Most of the standard therapies though modulate the immune system and this risk is minimal.
Of these newer agents, three are very similar in that they all are beta-interferons. Interferons are known immune proteins in the body that make the immune system less active. Rebif, Avonex, and Betaseron are these newer agents, and each varies in terms of how they are produced, how they are administered and their dosing frequency. In general, all can cause flu-like side effects that usually improve after a few months of use. Also because they are all injections, a skin reaction can occur. Less common side effects can include a drop in blood cells, an increase in liver enzymes, and rarely depression. Overall side effects are much less than the benefits which greatly reduce the frequency and severity of “attacks”. All have been shown to reduce the number of “plaques” on MRI brain scans over time.
Other agents also affect the immune system in reducing the auto-immune reactions. Copaxone may act in several different ways, but in one aspect is thought to serve as a decoy absorbing auto-antibodies making there effect less significant. It also is quite well tolerated, but has a dosing that is more frequent than the others above. Novantrone is a more aggressive treatment used for more severe cases of MS. It is monitored more closely. Specifically, its effects on the heart are followed routinely as this may result in its discontinuance. Newer agents are always being investigated as well. Research funding for Multiple Sclerosis has been quite good, and as such, several ongoing medical research studies hope to find better and more effective therapies.
Fortunately, better treatments are available today that were not available in decades past. As with any treatment, your health professional will need to tailor the right treatment to your type of MS. Likewise, side effect profiles, dosing options and cost may influence the decision. In addition to these therapies, several other important aspects of one’s health need to be considered. Dietary habits, exercise, stress management, etc are other areas that deserve special attention.
Paying attention to stress
As with any chronic illness, Multiple Sclerosis lends to a high stress risk for those with this disease. Not only can the actual physical symptoms lead to frustrations, limitations and even pain, but the emotional concerns about what the future holds can be significant. In this regard, changes in mood and changes in behavior can signal clues that stress is being poorly managed. Changes such as irritability, poor concentration, anxiousness, worry, increased use of alcohol or other drugs, fluctuations in eating habits, etc. are just a few.
In attending to stress, eating a healthy diet and regular exercise can help keep this in check to a degree. If you find these are not adequate, relaxation techniques such as deep-breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, biofeedback and spiritual practices are clearly of added benefit.
Some find that either one-on-one counseling is needed, while others manage their stress through MS support groups and other forms of group therapy. A large part of this has to do with maintaining a healthy degree of awareness and education about the illness, while letting go the control over factors of MS that cannot be controlled.
Other than these measures and a health-oriented diet, some herbal natural compounds report “anti-stress” properties. These include Ginseng, Arctic Rose, Cordyceps, among others. Stress is actually one factor that has been related to poor immune function, so managing increased stress well will help your body function at its peak in dealing with Multiple Sclerosis.
