Live Life Team
Natalizumab (Tysabri):
This is the latest licensed in disease – modifying medicine used for relapses in MS, from the brand Tysabri. This reduces relapses in MS by 2/3rd and also slows progression. It is injected once in every 28 days under your skin. This can also have side effects like itchy rash, vomiting, nausea and headaches. Very seldom, Tyasabri has been associated with high risk in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). PML is rare and serious, this breaks myelin on nerve fibres similar to MS. It causes paralysis or problems with speech and vision
Those who have very high active relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) after being treated with beta interferon can be licensed to use Tysabri , or those who also have fasts evolving RRMS. Rapidly evolving RRMS can be defined by:
two consecutive MRI scans showing increased scarring and damage to myelin.
two or more severe relapses within a year
Tysabri is not recommended for people below18 or above 65, also those with cancer, or with weak immune system and HIV positive people.
Linoleic acid
This is a fatty acid, found naturally in several foods. Study suggest that diet rich with linoleic acid can help to decrease the severity and duration of MS relapses and also slow down MS progression. You can consult your doctor regarding increasing intake of linoleic acid. At least 17-23g of linoleic acid is required in your diet, In case you are overweight it is not advisable.
Linoleic acid is found in:
certain supplements, including blackcurrant seed oil, grape seed oil and evening primrose oil.
sunflower spread and oil,
safflower or sesame seed oils,
nuts and seeds, such as walnuts, brazil nuts, peanuts and almonds.
4. Complementary therapies for MS:
There are various therapies and treatments that ease the MS symptoms. Few of them are:
yoga – a type of exercise that concentrates on different stretches and deep breathing techniques.
acupuncture – Needles are inserted at certain points of your body,
homeopathy – Uses ingredients plants and minerals, to stimulate the body’s own healing process,
reflexology – a form of massage which focuses on reflex areas on the hands and feet
There are numerous complimentary therapies for MS, However it is not yet proved that how effective these are in controlling symptoms of MS. Many feel that these therapies reduces stress and make them feel better. Theses however can promote health in general & also well being of people with MS:
neural therapy – in which small amounts of local anaesthetic are injected under the skin to improve the body’s flow of energy.
reflexology,
massage,
t’ai chi – a form of martial art which involves slow, rhythmic movements,
magnetic field therapy – a therapy which uses magnets to improve the body’s processes, and
Healthcare issues for MS people
People with MS can have any of the normal travel vaccinations in case you want to travel abroad. Also make sure you have your yearly flu jab, as flu can worsen MS symptoms.
If you have MS, you should have any of the usual travel vaccinations when you go abroad. You should also ensure that you have an annual flu jab, as getting flu can make MS symptoms worse.
Pregnancy
Relapses in pregnancy are rare. Women with MS doesn’t mean you cannot fall pregnant. Your pregnancy can be normal and you can breast feed the baby too.
Anesthetics
People with MS can use any type of anesthesia.
