Multiple sclerosis is one of the most common neurological conditions among young adults. This is a neuroinflammatory disorder wherein the immune system starts attacking the nerve fibers of the brain and central nervous system, leading to loss of muscle control, imbalances, and other problems. The Multiple Sclerosis and Neurology Institute of Austin is led by highly skilled and fellowship-trained neurological experts in the field with specialized training in multiple sclerosis treatments. We use the most efficient techniques to diagnose multiple sclerosis and curate personalized treatment plans to manage symptoms. Please schedule a consultation to explore your multiple sclerosis treatment options in Austin.
Multiple Sclerosis Treatment FAQs
What is multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis is a neuroinflammatory condition wherein the immune system starts attacking the fatty coating of the nerve fibers, known as myelin. The myelin protects the nerve fibers, allowing them to transmit messages from the brain and central nervous system. When the immune system starts attacking the myelin, the nerve fibers can’t carry messages effectively, leading to a loss of muscle control and other nervous symptoms. There is no known cure for multiple sclerosis, but the symptoms can be managed with early intervention.
What are the symptoms of multiple sclerosis?
The following are the primary signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis:
- Numbness and weakness in one part of the body
- Symptoms are more dominant on one side of the body
- Lack of muscle coordination
- Instability problems
- Difficulty while walking
- Tremors
- Partial or complete vision loss
- Pain during eye movements
- Blurry or double vision
- Loss of bowel and bladder control
- Sexual disorders
- Tingling and painful sensations
- Dizziness
- Speech problems
- Chronic fatigue
How is multiple sclerosis diagnosed?
The Multiple Sclerosis and Neurology Institute of Austin is led by highly-skilled medical providers specializing in multiple sclerosis, neuroimmunology, and neurology care for adult patients. There are no specific tests for multiple sclerosis, but our medical providers may perform a wide range of diagnostic tests to narrow down the possible cause of your symptoms. Your evaluation will consist of a discussion of your symptoms, physical examinations, blood tests, MRI scans, sometimes obtaining cerebrospinal fluid and completing specialized eye testings. After diagnosing multiple sclerosis, the doctor will curate a personalized treatment plan.
What are the treatments for multiple sclerosis?
There is no cure for multiple sclerosis. But our neurological experts will discuss your symptoms, understand the root cause of your problem, and offer a personalized treatment plan to manage the symptoms. Depending on your specific condition, you may need multiple treatments to reduce the severity of MS attacks, improve movements and balance, relax the muscle spasms, reduce fatigue, and improve walking capabilities. As such, while multiple sclerosis treatments can’t address the root cause of your problem, they can alleviate the symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.
Your multiple sclerosis treatment plan may include the following:
- Corticosteroids: Reduce nerve inflammation and alleviate the associated symptoms, such as insomnia, increased blood glucose levels, fluid retention, and increased blood pressure.
- Plasmapheresis: The plasma is extracted from your blood, and the remaining blood cells are mixed with a protein solution and reinserted into the body to alleviate symptoms.
- Disease Modifying Medication: These medications block the immune system from attacking the myeling cover of the nerve fibers and minimize the risk of multiple sclerosis relapses in the future.
- Infusion Therapy: You may undergo IV infusion therapy, which involves delivering specialized medications to alleviate symptoms and treat relapse-remitting and primary-progressive MS.
- Physical Therapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises can aid mobility and help you manage leg weakness and postural problems.
- Muscle Relaxers: These medications can help with spasticity and relax the uncomfortable and painful muscle spasms.
- Other Medications: You may receive other medications to reduce fatigue, increase walking speed, and help with insomnia, depression, pain, and other symptoms.
- Lifestyle Changes: Your MS treatment plan will also consist of lifestyle changes, such as methods to alleviate stress, dietary changes, exercise, and rest.
