Though there’s no cure for multiple sclerosis (MS), hundreds of thousands of people in the United States are diagnosed with it – around 400,000 people in fact, and of that, 86 percent of MS patients list fatigue as the most common symptom they’re experiencing. The cause of MS is unknown; it is not a communicable disease or known to be directly inherited, but factors that may come into play include:
- Gender – Women are impacted more than twice as often as men
- Age – The majority of people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50
- Geography – The majority of individuals with MS are living in temperate environments
- Ethnic background – Caucasians are at a higher risk
It is believed that symptoms of multiple sclerosis result when an immune system attack impacts myelin, the protective insulation surrounding the nerve fibers of the central nervous system. For individuals with MS, myelin is destroyed and can scar tissue may form. Some underlying nerve fibers are forever severed, and the impairment is experienced in a number of places inside the central nervous system — providing the disease with its name.
While we await a cure, there are a number of treatment options currently available to help. Medications can modify the course of the disease, treat relapses, and manage symptoms, maximizing quality of life and comfort for individuals with MS. These medications include:
Disease Course Modification:
- Injectable medications such as interferon beta 1a and 1b, glatiramer acetate, and peginterferon beta 1a
- Oral medications such as teriflunomide, fingolimod, cladribine, siponimod, dimethyl fumarate, and diroximel fumarate
- Infused medications such as alemtuzumab, mitoxantrone, ocrelizumab, and natalizumab
Relapse Management:
- IV or oral corticosteroids such as methylprednisolone, prednisone, and ACTH
Symptom Management:
A wide range of medications can be prescribed to ease symptoms such as:
- Bladder dysfunction
- Bladder infection
- Bowel dysfunction
- Depression
- Dizziness
- Emotional difficulties
- Fatigue
- Itching
- Pain
- Sexual difficulties
- Tremors
- Walking difficulties
- And more
In addition, various non-medicinal, therapeutic and technological advancements may be helpful, as well as in-home care services, which make life more comfortable, of higher quality, and safer for those with multiple sclerosis.
CareFor is always here for you, offering an in-home consultation and development of a customized plan of care to manage any obstacles an individual with multiple sclerosis may face. A wide variety of options for customized care are available, which could be several hours of help around the house or full-time, live-in care to improve safety and to prevent falls, or anything in between. Our professional, care managers and compassionate caregivers are fully trained and experienced in meeting a full range of MS care needs. Contact us any time at (512) 338-4533 to learn more about our home care assistance in Austin, TX and the surrounding communities we serve.