Neurological diseases >>>> Current trends in the treatment of multiple sclerosis

Current trends in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.

As mentioned in the previous article on the causes of multiple sclerosis , the human immune system is to blame for everything , which forms the wrong algorithm for combating antigens and directs T-lymphocytes to destroy them. In the case of multiple sclerosis, myelin, which is so necessary for a person, begins to act as an antigen (and as a result, neural connections in the entire body system are destroyed). The best treatment for multiple sclerosis would be the discovery of a mechanism for influencing the work of T-lymphocytes in such a way that their killer algorithm stops working and allows the body to replenish the lost (that is, destroyed by the immune system) myelin, but a breakthrough in this area of science is not yet visible. It is difficult for scientists with an immune system to hone its antigen-fighting skills for millions of years of evolution. What can medicine do today in the treatment of multiple sclerosis?

Since the nature of the course of the disease is very individual, this situation makes it difficult to develop any universal treatment regimen and a standard set of drugs. Various combinations of clinical manifestations of multiple sclerosis plus a different temporal regimen of remission force the doctor to constantly build various constructions from the therapeutic agents available to him. It is possible to unify approaches to the treatment of multiple sclerosis, which should always be aimed at preventing exacerbations and slowing the progression of the disease.

Within the framework of such approaches, two directions of treatment of multiple sclerosis are considered.

Immunocorrective therapy, the task of which is to control and change the course of pathological processes in the work of immune cells.

Such therapy is based on:

Firstly, on drugs and methods that allow you to quickly get out of exacerbations. This includes corticosteroids, angioprotectors, antiplatelet agents, plasmaphoresis (plasma transfusion).

Secondly, on drugs that slow down the progression of the disease. These include interferons (beta-interferons), immunoglobulins G, glatiramer acetate (Copaxone) - an analogue of myelin protein , cytostatics. The class of beta-interferons inhibits the multiplication of immune cells and slows down their work, reduces the migration of pathologically working T-lymphocytes.

Symptomatic therapy can improve the quality of life of a person with multiple sclerosis. Such therapy corrects all the inconveniences that arise during the patient's life:

Impaired coordination of movements involves the use of anticholinesterase agents, cerebrolysin, ATP, B vitamins. A specially developed set of exercises that loads muscles and keeps them in good shape helps.

Sensory disorders and pain symptoms . Pain symptoms are relieved depending on the nature of the pain: taking combined pain relievers, antirheumatic drugs. Acupuncture, laser or neural therapy give a good effect. Often, anesthetics are injected at some point in the painful focus.

Muscle paresis, seizures are removed with anticonvulsants, and antiepileptic drugs are used for complex seizures.

Increased muscle tone, spasticity . When treating these symptoms, it should be borne in mind that a decrease in muscle tone and spasticity can lead to an increase in muscle weakness and complicate the patient's movement.

Psychoemotional disorders associated with a severe course of the disease require the use of antidepressants and psychotherapeutic treatment. For sleep disorders, mild sedatives and hypnotics can be used. And the best solution would be to improve sleep using auto-training (use the body's natural capabilities to relax).

Tremor treatment . Tremors are the worst treatable ones. Beta blockers, high doses of B vitamins are usually prescribed.

Functional disorders in the pelvic region (urination, defecation, sexual function):

In case of dysfunction of the bladder associated with difficulty in emptying it or uncontrolled urination, pharmaceuticals are used to increase or decrease the tone of the sphincters, antispasmodics. Fluid intake is monitored over time (without reducing the amount of fluid consumed), as well as the use of foods that stimulate urination. The task is to accustom the body to emptying at regular intervals.

In case of intestinal dysfunctions (constipation or spontaneous defecation), diets corresponding to the intestinal disorder are followed. So with constipation, they try to take more liquid, plant fibers contained in food, fats, pectin-containing fruits and vegetables, and dairy products. In the case of fecal incontinence, on the contrary, they reduce the consumption of the above foods and foods that cause fermentation in the intestine.

In case of sexual dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis, there are a number of stimulating drugs, but all of them, in addition to the main action, also have side effects that can aggravate the already difficult state of health of the patient. Therefore, the choice of such drugs must be carried out strictly under the supervision of the attending physician.

Today, the issue of stem cell transplantation is being closely considered, which should reproduce the "correct" T-lymphocytes to replace autoimmune ones that damage the myelin sheath. There is a limitation on such an operation: not an advanced form of the disease, when there are no long-term (long-term) and / or irreversible functional disorders in the pelvic region.

The purpose of these areas of treatment is to make life easier for people suffering from multiple sclerosis, to enable them to move independently and take care of themselves.