Health Tip: Living With MS

(HealthDay News) - Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, causing nerve damage that tends to worsen over time.

There is no cure for MS. But here''s information about treatment options that may help alleviate symptoms, provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

• Drugs to help control the immune system, including interferons (Avonex, Betaseron or Rebif), monoclonal antibodies (Tysabri), and glatiramer acetate (Copaxone).
• Steroids to minimize damage caused when the immune system attacks the nervous system.
• Medications to decrease the incidence of muscle spasms.
• Antidepressants.
• Physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy.
• A regular exercise program, especially when begun just after diagnosis.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: Oct. 19, 2007

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