Multiple SclerosisTreatment, Palliative Treatment |
Physician-developed and -monitored. Original Date of Publication: 01 Jan 2000
|
|
Original Source: http://www.neurologychannel.com/multiplesclerosis/treatment.shtml | |
|
Home » Multiple Sclerosis » Treatment, Palliative Treatment | 
 |
Treatment
Treatment for multiple sclerosis varies. The goals of treatment are to improve the quality of life by relieving symptoms caused by exacerbations (called palliative treatment), slowing the course of the disease as much as possible, and providing psychological support.
In general, starting treatment early in the course of the disease and continuing treatment indefinitely is thought to provide the most benefit. Health care providers and patients should make treatment decisions together.
Palliative Treatment
Corticosteroids are typically prescribed to treat exacerbations of MS. Methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol®) is be administered through an IV (intravenously) for 2–7 days, followed by a course of prednisone. Prednisone (Deltasone®) may be given for 10 days then the dosage is gradually reduced over 3 weeks and stopped.
Corticosteroids are usually well tolerated. Side effects include the following:
- Heart failure
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia)
- High or low levels of sodium in the blood (hyper- or hyponatremia)
- Increased risk for infection
- Low level of potassium in the blood (hypokalemia)
- Personality changes (e.g., mood swings)
- Stomach ulcer
- Swelling (edema) caused by fluid retention
Multiple Sclerosis, Treatment, Palliative Treatment reprinted with permission from neurologychannel.com
© 1998-2009 Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Multiple Sclerosis (continued...)
Multiple Sclerosis Resources
|
|
|||
 | Join Our Multiple Sclerosis Forum
Do you have a question, want to share medical advice, or just need to discuss your situation with someone else having a similar experience? The healthchannels forum is a resource for everyone to share and discuss their health and medical needs with others. |
|
|
 | Living with...Share your story
Do you have a personal health story that you would like to share with others? As a source of free patient education, our goal is to provide our users with trustworthy information and support from others. That's why we've started our "Living with..." sections. | ||
|
Our "Living With..." support pages are a place to share experiences about living with a certain condition, disease, disorder, or illness and for loved ones of those dealing with health-related issues. Many people, especially when newly diagnosed, find comfort in knowing that others are having a similar experience. | |||
 | Stay Updated
Sign up for our newsletter and receive important updates on the medical conditions that are most important to you. | ||
To quickly access health information from your website's browser,
| |||
email this
