In a person with multiple sclerosis, lesions or plaques will grow on the spinal cord and the brain. The MS spinal cord can have several of these lesions interfering with the function of the nervous system. The lesions on a multiple sclerosis spinal cord can cause significant problems, especially in the lower body. Some of these problems can include bladder or bowel incontinence, muscle cramping or spasms, and numbness or tingling, especially in the lower extremities. If someone is experiencing any of these symptoms, they should seek out medical attention. A doctor will likely recommend that a MRI test be done to look for lesions on the spinal cord.
There is currently no cure for lesions, although there are treatments that can help stop lesions from getting worse and growing bigger. This can help to slow down the progression of multiple sclerosis and its symptoms. Treatments can only be provided by medical professionals, so it is important for patients to have a treatment team that includes specialists such as neurologists. These doctors will ensure that all the treatment options available will be considered, and the best treatments will be administered as soon as possible, creating the best quality of life for the individual multiple sclerosis patient.
Multiple Sclerosis Spinal Cord Lesions Treatment
There are many different types of treatment available to help people deal with having multiple sclerosis lesions either on their spinal cord, their brain, or both. Treatments can either help to slow down the process of lesions growth or it can help the body to deal with symptoms related to lesions. Traditional treatments are typically available through prescription only and they are usually in oral tablet form, injection form, or through intravenous drip. Your doctor will decide which treatment is going to be best for you and your symptoms, depending on your stage of multiple sclerosis and how many lesions you have.
Treatments are usually taken long term, and so they will be administered through a multiple sclerosis clinic or hospital. It is important to have a knowledgeable treatment team that you feel comfortable with in order to get the most benefits. Starting treatment early and keeping up with it will ensure that multiple sclerosis stays in a state of remission for as long as possible. This keeps a patient’s quality of life at the highest level.
