Multiple Sclerosis Management

By Dr. Ananya Mandal, MDReviewed by Sally Robertson, B.Sc.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a lifelong, incurable illness that is rapidly progressing and severely debilitating. The condition is managed with long-term medication regimens and progression of the disease leads to severe symptoms and eventually death.

The management of MS may also involve modifications being made to normal daily living. This helps patients adapt to living with their condition and retain as much bodily function and independence as possible on a day-to-day basis.

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Regular monitoring

MS is a long-term and progressive disorder in which the patient requires regular and routine monitoring to keep track of their health and how they are coping with the disease.

Self-care

Self-care is a very important part of helping a patient live a healthy and productive life. Self-care includes taking responsibility for one’s own well-being and health through exercising regularly in order to stay fit and taking measures to prevent illnesses and accidents.

Maintaining a good level of self-care helps patients lead a better quality of life and minimize the likelihood of associated problems such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, and pain. Engaging in regular physical activity also helps patients maintain an active and relatively independent life for as long as possible.

Healthy diet

A healthy diet can help maintain good health and prevent other concomitant diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease.

Prophylactic measures

There are several measures a person can take to prevent sickness, of which include receiving regular influenza and pneumococcal vaccines and being vigilant in detecting and treating infections.

Maintaining mental health

A long-term illness such as MS can put a severe strain on the mental health of patients as well as their caregivers. Worsening symptoms, as well as declining health and physical abilities, can lead to depression, frustration, anxiety, and even suicidal tendencies among patients and those who are close to the patient.

Several different measures can be taken by the patient to maintain their mental health. These measures will assist the patients in coping with their condition and decreasing the risk of the emotional problems associated with MS.

References

• http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Multiple-sclerosis/Pages/Causes.aspx
• https://medlineplus.gov/
• https://www.who.int/
• https://mscanada.ca/
• https://www.nice.org.uk/

Further Reading

• All Multiple Sclerosis Content
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Working Towards Earlier Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis
• Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms
• Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis