Multiple Sclerosis part 4

Treatment
Multiple sclerosis has numerous treatments that can calm the relapses & symptoms, along with slowing down progression of this condition. As of now there are no cure to Multiple sclerosis.
Treatment is not required if your symptoms are mild or in case of Benign MS (BMS) until and unless you a relapse occurs.
Specialist in healthcare services
Any individual with MS needs various levels of treatment and medical care as MS is a unpredictable condition. After the diagnosis of MS a detailed assessment is don which includes language therapies, speech, occupational therapies, physiotheraphy, specialist nurse with social workers, which together are rehabilitation team for neurology. You shall receive treatment and care from single or several members of the local team They shall also guide you to care and treat yourself as far as possible.
Specialist MS nurse will be the first person in contact with you from rehabilitation team. Health care professionals are accessible to every person with MS
Medical and complementary treatments
Below mentioned are 4 main categories for MS treatment:
complementary therapies
treatment to slow the progression of MS
treatment for specific MS symptoms,
treatment for relapses of MS symptoms (steroids),

1. Treatment for MS relapses (steroids):

Once a relapse of MS symptoms occurs, you need to see a doctor immediately as recurrence it can be a case of infection. Before treating it, the doctor shall first determine the reason for its occurrence. A high dose of steroids also know as methylprednisolone, of about 3-5 day course is given if the symptoms are because of a relapse to expedite the recovery. Tablets both oral & intravenously can be given.
It is not yet determined how steroids can help to recover from relapse, it is assumed that they suppress the immune system as a result myelin is not attacked. Fluid surrounding nerve fibre is also reduced, but steroids cause side effects like diabetes, weight gain and osteoporosis. It is not recommended to consume them very frequent.
2. Treatments for specific MS symptoms:
There are several various symptoms that differ in severity, if you have MS. Treatments are there which can relieve you from each symptom. Few are easily treated as compared to others. It is very rare that a person with MS having all the symptoms.
Visual problems
You can consult an optician if you find trouble in reading, which can be a result of MS. If it is related to nystagmus, medication will be prescribed.
Muscle spasms and spasicity
Physiotherapy improves muscles spasms and spasicity, stretching can be one to prevent occurring spasicity. You can check for a physiotherapist specially trained in MS. Medication like gabapentin or baclofen are also prescribed if the pain gets severe. Side effects like diarrhoea, nausea, weakness and dizziness are caused, you need to consult the doctor about all the options. In certain cases medication only will not be helpful, you need to consult a specialist.
Neuropathic pain
Damage to nerves causes neuropathic pain, it is a stabbing and sharp. This can be treated by using medicines like carbamazapine or gabapentin also antidepressant like amitriptyline.
Musculoskeletal pain 
Pain in spascity and muscles spasms is called as musculoskeletal pain, caused by extreme stiffness and pressure in joints. Better seating posture and exercising techniques recommended by physiotherapist will help musculoskeletal pain. In case the pain is severe painkillers are prescribed with some antidepressants .
Mobility problems
preventing spasicity and muscles spasms should be the first priority, with medication or physiotherapy. Muscles can get tighten till a point they are very painful and find difficulty in moving. This is called contrcture. Special exercise for stretching with removable splints and plaster casts may be needed. Injections like botulinum toxin are recommended this helps the muscles to relax. Equipment, exercise and medicines can help you ease the dizziness or tremor caused by MS.
Cognitive problems (difficulty with speech ,memory and thought) Treatment received by you will be recorded and explained completely making sure its clear to you.
Emotional problems 
Emotional outburst like crying or laughing for no reason are common emotiona problems. You need to consult clinical psychologists. Antidepressants are recommended along with few learning techniques to take charge of your emotions.