Multiple sclerosis involves an inflammatory process at the level of the
central nervous system, resulting in the destruction of myelin. Myelin
is a substance that surrounds the body’s nervous cells, facilitating
the transmission of nervous impulses between neurons. If the integrity
of the nervous cells’ myelin is compromised, the transmission of
nervous impulses between neurons is perturbed, causing serious
neurological dysfunctions.
Multiple sclerosis primarily affects the body’s ability to respond
promptly to external stimuli (sensorial function), decreases the
mobility of the musculoskeletal system (motor function) and reduces
mental performance (cognitive function). People affected by multiple
sclerosis can in time suffer from serious neuropsychological disorders,
such as: depression, short-term memory loss, compromised judgment,
emotional instability, mania and even dementia. Multiple sclerosis can
also affect the activity of the internal organs, causing renal
dysfunctions or disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
Multiple sclerosis can affect the entire activity of the body and
people who suffer from this disease can develop serious physical and
neuropsychological conditions. The progression of multiple sclerosis is
intermittent and unpredictable. People affected by multiple sclerosis
can experience periods of remission, followed by states of relapse. The
symptoms generated by the disease occur in episodes, or flares.
Although most of the damage caused by this type of neurological disease
to the organism can be minimized and reversed with the means of an
appropriate multiple sclerosis treatment, modern medicine doesn’t hold
the cure for this particular type of disease. The majority of multiple
sclerosis treatments available today are focused on extending the
periods of remission and on reducing the duration and the intensity of
symptomatic flares, being unable to completely overcome the disease.
The most effective medication used in multiple sclerosis treatments is
beta interferon. This substance is commonly used in multiple sclerosis
treatments for helping in the process of myelin reconstruction. By
using beta interferon in multiple sclerosis treatments, doctors are
able to control the evolution of the disease and to fight the actual
causes of its generated neurological dysfunctions.
Considering the fact that the disease also generates muscle weakness,
inflammation, pain and rigidity, the majority of multiple sclerosis
treatments include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which can help
in alleviating the symptoms experienced at the level of the
musculoskeletal system. Corticosteroids are also commonly used in
multiple sclerosis treatments, as they can minimize the intensity of
the physical symptoms experienced during the stages of relapse.
Multiple sclerosis treatments often include anticonvulsants,
analgesics, mild sedatives and muscle relaxants in the periods of
symptomatic exacerbation.
If patients develop internal disorders due to inappropriate activity of
the nervous system, multiple sclerosis treatments can also involve the
use of medications such as anticholinergics (drugs that reduce bladder
spasms), urinary tract antispasmodics and antidiuretics.
For improving mental performance, memory and concentration, multiple
sclerosis treatments can also include Selective Serotonin Reuptake
Inhibitors and Central Nervous System Stimulants. These medications are
able to ease the generalized state of mental fatigue characteristic to
people affected by multiple sclerosis. If patients suffer from serious
psychological conditions, such as depression or emotional instability,
multiple sclerosis treatments can also involve the use of
anti-depressives and mild sedatives.
