Treatments and Managing MS

Managing the symptoms and effects of MS can often be achieved using a variety of medical and non-medical interventions. In addition, a healthy lifestyle including a balanced diet, regular exercise and the reduction of stress can also help.

It is extremely important that all treatments or interventions are discussed with your GP or neurologist as they can best advise on what is most suitable to the individual.

Medical treatments for MS concentrate on managing symptoms, reducing inflammation during relapses or changing the course of the disease in some way with disease modifying drugs.

The use and benefit of treatments differ from person to person because of the unpredictable nature of MS and the variance in the presence, severity, and duration of symptoms. It is therefore very important to seek advice from a neurologist or your GP before starting any treatment.

A number of non-medical interventions can help to manage the impact of MS greatly. Rehabilitation is a collective term used to describe a number of therapies that can help to maintain, restore or improve physical and cognitive functioning.

Physiotherapy plays a significant role in maintaining muscle strength and mobility. Speech and language therapy help with speech and swallowing and an occupational therapist  can advise on techniques, aids and appliances that can increase independence.

While access to rehabilitation services is limited, there are many community out-patient services available to people living with MS.

Some people with MS use complementary and alternative therapies (CAMS) such as reflexology and massage as part of the management programme.