Multiple sclerosis (or MS) is a condition that affects millions of people around the world. Sadly, there hasn’t been a perfect cure for this illness. This means MS patients have to constantly suffer from flares and attacks, and can have multiple difficulties in their daily activities. However, with proper remedies and medication, the symptoms can be controlled remarkably. So, what would be the best treatments for MS?
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Understanding Multiple Sclerosis
Let’s take a closer look at this condition. The reason why MS needs to be treated as early as possible is because it has a direct impact on the patient’s central nervous system. Their immune system incorrectly attacks the myelin – a fatty substance that helps protect your nerves, thus causing damage and interfering with the nerve signals transmission. The body parts corresponding to those nerves will have trouble functioning normally.
These are some of the most common symptoms for multiple sclerosis:
- Difficulties in moving and the feeling of weakness in muscles
- Fatigue and mental health issues
- Dizziness and vision problems
- Stiffness in joints and muscles
- Body pain
- Bladder and bowel problems
These symptoms are caused by the damage of the myelin and the nervous system. Some MS symptoms are temporary, but some can be permanent.
There are still many theories of why people get multiple sclerosis. Anyone may get affected, and the increase in possibility can be linked loosely with genetic or environmental factors, such as smoking or a lack of vitamin D.
Though this illness is not fatal, the symptoms and health effects might shorten the life of people who are diagnosed. Therefore, it’s important to figure out suitable treatments to make the patients more comfortable and raise their life expectancy.
Physical And Mental Treatments
The easiest way to help someone with multiple sclerosis feel comfortable is to provide remedies that relieve the stress and body pain associated with this condition. Let’s take a look at a few of our suggestions:
1. Enjoy a thoughtful gift
Who doesn’t love a well-thought gift that can also be practical? Some recommended gifts for any chronic illness patients are books, essential oils or weighted blankets. These are items that will either help the patients relax or achieve better sleep quality.
In addition, some comfortable clothes will surely be perfect. At websites like Hyperfavor, you can find a range of awareness shirts that will send an encouraging message to the MS patient.
Browse through this collection of multiple sclerosis awareness shirts and choose one for your loved one. Not only will the patient have a beautifully designed tee to wear on any occasion, they can spread more awareness to anyone they meet about their condition.
2. Set a daily routine with plenty of rest
It’s important for the MS patient to follow a proper schedule, so that they can have enough time to rest and sleep. This reduces the negative effects of fatigue and stress on their health.
A well-planned routine also ensures that their other treatments will have the best effects. As the patients follow them constantly without fail every day, their well-being can surely improve.
3. Get regular exercises
This treatment can help the patient keep a healthy and balanced life, as well as building muscle strength. Though it can be hard for people diagnosed with MS to engage in physical activities, light exercises everyday can certainly make a difference. Therapy yoga or even walking just a little can improve their health.
4. Obtain a healthy diet
Although there is no specific multiple sclerosis diet, to maintain their well-being and reduce chances of flares, patients are recommended to choose certain food over others. Food with lower saturated fat and higher fiber will be the best choice for MS patients. They might want to avoid processed food and alcohol as well.
Researchers had found a connection between vitamin D insufficiency and the increased chance of developing MS. Therefore, extra intake of vitamin D is also recommended.
5. Have stress management methods
Being anxious and stressed out can make multiple sclerosis symptoms worse. A few ways to manage negative feelings and discomfort is to meditate, talk to a therapist, or chat with a family member or friend. This will help the patient get through the daily struggle with this chronic disease.
Treatments Using Medications
In order to determine which medicine is the most suitable for the patient’s condition, they need to first consult with a professional. Not all MS patients experience the same level of pain, fatigue or discomfort in moving around. Thus, the medicines used will differ from one patient to another.
There are various medications to tackle different problems associated with MS. Some medicines will have disease-modifying effects, meaning they slow down the attack on your nerves and prevent flares. If the patient experiences flares, there are drugs that specifically treat the condition as well.
Other drugs can help control additional issues such as depression, stiffness and fatigue. Depending on what the multiple sclerosis patient needs, they can request for medications that help them relieve those symptoms.