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Currently Available Treatments for Multiple Sclerosis

By: Javed Anwar

Multiple sclerosis is a frustrating disease because the current treatments are few and at present, there is no cure for multiple sclerosis, but the available drugs can slow the disease course. Synthetic forms of beta interferon (a natural immunomodulator that regulates the immune response) reduce the frequency and severity of relapses and decrease the degree of disability over time.

Glatiramer acetate is a mixture of synthetic polymers which may act as a decoy for the immune system, dilutes the attack on myelin which covers the cells in the brain and spinal cord. For this reason, you can decrease the frequency of relapses, which in turn reduces the progression of disease.

There are treatments for specific symptoms, such as steroids (which are usually given in high doses intravenously for a few days, between 3 and 5), which can shorten the duration of an attack. Some drugs can alleviate spasticity, fatigue and disorders of micturition.

People with MS tend to verify that non-pharmacological treatments such as regular exercise and adequate rest can help them maintain a more active life. Physical therapy and exercise can help strengthen the weakened muscles and improve coordination. Occupational therapy can improve the skills to teach everyday people how to cope with multiple sclerosis with a reduced capacity of movement and speech therapy can improve the difficulties in speaking and swallowing.

Advances in research may help people affected by multiple sclerosis and their families. At present, investigations are focused on ways to block the specific immune cells that attack myelin, and how to harness the natural growth factors that can stimulate the replenishment of tissues destroyed by disease. It also seeks to prevent the axonal degeneration that causes the progression of disability in the advanced forms.

One of the pioneers in the nutritional treatment of Multiple Sclerosis is Dr. Roy Swank, Professor of Neurology at the School of Medicine, University of Oregon.

The key nutritional recommendations, according to Dr. Swank, are: 1) saturated fat intake of no more than 10 grams per day. 2) A daily intake of 40 to 50 grams of polyunsaturated oils (margarine and hydrogenated oils are not permitted). 3) At least a daily spoonful of cod liver oil. 4) It allows the normal intake of protein and 5) Fish consumption, should be three or more times a week.

Another novelty in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis is the use of electromagnetic fields. This is very important to clarify that the electromagnetic fields that are used in this case are low intensity, extremely low frequencies and carefully controlled. These applications are extra-cranial and are 20 minutes once a week. The results are variable and more research is needed to refine this form of treatment.

Hopefully the medical science will soon find a definitive treatment for multiple sclerosis so that this disabling disease is controlled right in the beginning of its course.

Article Source: http://www.health.freearticledirectories.com

The author Javed Anwar writes informative articles to help people understand their medical conditions. His current project is www.signsnsymptoms.com/. Find out the natural way to cure multiple sclerosis in his latest article Signs and Symptoms Multiple Sclerosis.

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