Introduction
The diagnosis and therapy of multiple sclerosis is of great importance, since only an early diagnosis of the disease can lead to an individually adapted therapy that can reduce the consequential damages of MS.
Therapeutic measures for MS
A therapy that prevents the cause is still unknown. Bed rest should be kept during the relapse and afterwards physiotherapy and movement therapy is recommended. The therapy varies depending on the stage the patient is in.
In the acute stage, the relapse is terminated with the administration of cortisone. 1g is administered intravenously for 5 days. A sneaking out, as it is otherwise usual with cortisone, is not necessary here.
The relapse is usually ended successfully, but cortisone has no influence on the long-term development of the disease. The administration is therefore only justified in the relapse. Because of the many side effects, long-term medication with cortisone should not be used in MS nowadays.
Among the immediately occurring side effects are stomach protection, which is prescribed in addition to the medication for stomach ulcers. For long-term medication the interferon ? (beta) is suitable for long-term medication.
It usually prevents the third attack and has a positive effect on the entire course of multiple sclerosis. However, it is only prescribed if at least one episode occurs per year. If the patient suffers a relapse only every 3 to 5 years (or even less frequently), the medication is not worthwhile, as this too is associated with side effects.
These include, for example, flu symptoms (patients are therefore advised to take e.g. one tablet of 500 mg paracetamol in advance), skin redness and inflammation or even allergic reactions. Among other things, the psyche is also affected. Depressions, psychoses or even increased suicidal tendencies (suicide risk) can occur.
Patients who are already tired of life are not given the drug. If relapses continue to occur despite therapy with interferon, antibodies can be given as an alternative. According to statistics, this very new therapy could prevent about 70 percent of the relapses and even up to 80 percent of the lesions seen in the MRI of the brain (magnetic resonance imaging) could disappear.
However, if the affected person is already taking other drugs that weaken the body’s defense system, these antibodies are not administered. The side effects include viral infections. If the patient suffers from a chronic progressive form of MS (see above), a type of chemotherapy (Mitoxantron®) is used.
When administering the drug, a maximum dose must not be exceeded. This maximum dose applies to the entire treatment. Once this dose has been reached, the patient has finished therapy.
This therapy also has side effects. Irrevocable heart damage or disturbances in the blood composition (too few blood cells due to medication) can occur.
- Unrest
- Insomnia
- Heat sensation
- Facial flushing
- Stomach Ulcer
- And of course the suppression of the immune system.
