Multiple Sclerosis, also known as MS, is a disease which is chronic, affecting the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. There are many MS affected people who are unaware that they suffer from MS. They may have a few symptoms which are not severe and may visit the physician only when symptoms become worse. This is why spreading MS information is necessary as people can identify symptoms and take steps to reduce the progression of the disease. Though there is no cure for the disease, new treatments are proving to be quite effective in managing MS.
Spreading MS information can help identify the life-threatening disease
Many people have heard about the disease. But they all have different ideas about the disease, as there is not much MS information. This could also be due to the fact that the disease is not very common and thus there is no general awareness of it. Thus, the MS community (patients, their friends, and families) can spread information about it to help others understand the condition.
Ways in which this can be done is by sharing information about life with MS on social media platforms – such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
You could participate in events which are organized by MS NGOs and charities. You can volunteer to help at MS events and help others having MS. Posters in schools, colleges, offices, doctors’ offices can increase Multiple Sclerosis awareness. You could provide information about the latest research in Multiple Sclerosis treatment guidelines. Wear orange colored clothes or an orange MS ribbon to help start a conversation about the disease.
If you are an MS patient, you can join support groups to help you cope.
Information about the best treatment for Multiple Sclerosis
There are many medications which are available for MS treatment. The best treatment for Multiple Sclerosis depends on the person and the type of MS he/she suffers from. There are three categories of MS treatment – long-term treatment, treating relapses, and managing symptoms.
Long-term treatment for MS
The long-term treatment strategies for MS are also known as DMT or Disease Modifying Therapies. Right now, there are 16 US FDA approved DMTs. In almost all cases, medicines are prescribed one at a time, which the patient has to take for a specified period of time. Out of the 16 DMTs, 9 are given through injection, 4 via IV, and the remaining 3 are oral medicines.
Relapse treatment
Multiple Sclerosis treatment guidelines for treating relapses control symptom flare-ups which are also called exacerbations or attacks. Relapses may take some days or continue for months before they subside. Though relapse treatment may reduce the length and severity, the treatment does not affect the progression of MS or the symptoms.
Managing symptoms
One of the best treatment for Multiple Sclerosis is not via medicines, but with exercise and regular diet. As all patients have different symptoms, these have to be addressed individually. Usually, rehabilitation, counseling, as well as exercise is prescribed to increase effective symptom management.
Women who suffer from MS, but want to be pregnant or are pregnant, have to consult with their physician to know about the MS information regarding drug warnings. Not all Multiple Sclerosis drugs are safe for women suffering from this disease.
A new breakthrough by British scientists
British scientists’ discovery of a cause for MS is a major breakthrough which can lead to new treatments for MS.
Scientists have unearthed a new cell mechanism which might be the cause of MS.
In MS, the immune system attacks the myelin as well as nerve fibers of the spinal cord and brain. This damages the brain leads to a reduction of oxygen blood supply, and lesions are formed in the body. Scientists have suspected mitochondria of being the link causing MS. Exeter University researchers have found the presence of protein Rab32 in high quantities in the brain of people with MS, but this protein is not present in healthy brains.
When Rab32 is present, the scientists discovered that the portion of the brain cell gets very close to mitochondria. This causes mitochondria to behave abnormally, causing toxicity in the brain cells affected by MS. This discovery is one which could finally lead to a cure for MS.
MS affects 2.5 million people all over the world and is typically diagnosed when people are in their 20s to 30s. Depending on the symptoms, MS sufferers are able to lead a normal life by careful management of symptoms, through medicines, exercise, and a monitored diet.
