Antibiotics Contraindicated In Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis or MS is a condition in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system. The disease occurs usually in young adults and is more common in women. It is common in latitudes farther from the equator. The disease sets through inflammation and loss of the myelin sheaths that insulate the central nervous system nerve fibres. Gradually, there is loss of nerve fibre and scarring. The location of the inflammation in the nervous system varies from patient to patient. Till date, there is no permanent cure or known causes for MS. Treatments have always proved to be partially effective.

Majority of the patients suffer from a relapse of the disease. The trigger for this relapse remains unclear but infectious diseases like cold or flu have been frequently associated with the onset of MS. About 80 per cent of the people suffering from multiple sclerosis experience pain at some point. The doctors need to specifically know about it to find out the cause and how it can be reduced. Fatigue is one of the most common effects of multiple sclerosis. Sometimes, the drugs prescribed for MS symptoms like hypertension and glaucoma worsen it further. Even treatments for urinary tract infections can have the same result.

In the recent past, advances have been made in treating multiple sclerosis. Treatments are improving the patients' quality of life by reducing relapses and disability. In addition, therapies are also helping in successfully managing many symptoms. Recent neurological research has found certain antibiotics, long used in treating infections in humans, having the potential to treat multiple sclerosis. Those were tested in a MS-like condition and the results showed those drugs can help to lessen the severity of the attacks and even block relapse.

Adhering to the various disease-modifying therapies for MS can prove to be difficult for patients. Not only one has to remember injections and infusions, but also have the right mindset to keep to the medication schedule in spite of side effects. Administering high doses of intravenous corticosteroids during attacks is the practised therapy. The aim is to end the attack as fast as possible and prevent any disability. However, side effects of this treatment include osteoporosis and impaired memory.

People with multiple sclerosis often suffer from depression but it mostly goes undiagnosed because of the overlapping symptoms. Many patients pursue alternative treatments though there is no scientific study to support them. The use of medical cannabis to reduce the pain, dietary regimens and oxygenation are some of these alternative treatments. Yoga, martial arts like tai chi, or regular exercise help to lessen fatigue.

Researchers believe that the damage to the brain and spinal cord happen quite early in multiple sclerosis, even before the occurrence of symptoms. That's why it's important to start treatment as soon as possible. Studies have shown that the growth of physical disability can be slowed if you start early treatment. When choosing a treatment for MS one must consider many things: ease of use, effectiveness, safety and side effects. Multiple sclerosis is a disease that can remain throughout one's life. So it is very important to find a treatment that one can live with.

• Janny Raines
• 30/04/2009, 10:59 AM
• 0 Comments