Demyelination is a disorder which is degenerative in nature and originates in the nerves. The treatment for demyelination is based on the symptoms and the affected nerves. Demyelination occurs when myelin, a protective covering over the nerves is attacked by the body’s immune system. When myelin is destroyed, it causes multiple sclerosis. There are several treatments available, which can ease the symptoms arising from multiple sclerosis, besides arresting any further damage to the nerves. These range from drugs to holistic methods, like massage therapy, yoga and meditation.
Various treatments for demyelination
Treatment for demyelination includes proper nutrition, steroids, plasma exchange, bone marrow transplants, immunotherapy, physical therapies, protein antigens and medication. These could include antidepressants and anticonvulsants for spastic behavior.
The damage that has already occurred to nerves cannot be reversed. The present treatment for demyelination is aimed at preventing further demyelination and subsequent damage to nerves, along with correction to the immune disorder. It is primarily to ensure that the disease does not aggravate, besides strengthening the adaptive mechanism. It also helps in reducing the evidence of the patients’ neurological deficit, while having a control over the symptoms that complicate the opportunity to work normally. This allows the patient to adapt to the consequences of the disease.
It focuses on providing relief to the affected muscles which in turn, reduces the amount of effort needed to perform a task. Physiotherapy helps to strengthen the muscles. The main treatment for demyelination is related to intravenous corticosteroids, adrenocorticotrophic hormone and its analogs. Plasma exchange, though successful in some patients, has not been able to provide any visible outcome in others. In case of patients who are unable to have a definite diagnosis, MRI scans needs to be conducted semi-annually until a definite conclusion can be arrived at. There are also alternate therapies or treatments available. However, these do not have any medical backing.
Coping with MS
In most cases, if diagnosed early and the appropriate treatment is taken, the disease can be arrested from causing further damage. If it reaches a situation where the quality of life is affected or disability sets in, a lifestyle change may be required for adapting to the changes in the physical condition. A very possible side effect of this condition is that the patient goes through a feeling of depression. Counseling may be required to help the patient cope with this sense of helplessness.
