Diagnosis and treatment of multiple sclerosis

This is an automatically translated article.

This article is expertly consulted by Master, Doctor Bui Ngoc Phuong Hoa - General Internal Medicine - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disorder of the brain and spinal cord. The disease can cause different clinical symptoms. In most cases, the first episodes of symptoms can be long-lasting.

1. What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis, also known as multiple sclerosis, is an autoimmune disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. The disease often causes inflammation, if repeated many times will destroy the myelin sheath of the nerve, slowing or blocking the transmission of nerve impulses.

2. Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis

Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis is often difficult because the first symptoms of the disease are quite similar to those of other common diseases.
Clinical criteria No test or imaging is definitive for MS, and diagnoses are based on clinical criteria. A definitive diagnosis requires evidence of the history and examination of at least two distinct attacks affecting two different regions of the central nervous system.
Some laboratory tests play an important role in diagnosing multiple sclerosis:
2.1 Brain Magnetic Resonance (MRI)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is very useful in diagnosing multiple sclerosis. MRI can detect small areas of inflammation and scarring in the brains of patients with multiple sclerosis. Although MRI is useful in helping to diagnose multiple sclerosis, it is not always conclusive, especially in the early stages of MS. An MRI result should always be compared with symptoms and physical examination.

2.2 Lumbar puncture
In this test, the doctor will put a local anesthetic and insert a needle into the lower part of your back to get some of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Levels of certain proteins are measured because multiple sclerosis changes the composition of some of those proteins. However, this phenomenon is not specific because a number of other diseases also alter the protein composition.
2.3 Evoked potential test
In this test, your doctor uses electrodes to look for abnormalities in the electrical impulses traveling on certain nerves. In order to find supporting evidence for myelin degeneration, visual cues are often used.

3. How to cure multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis cannot be cured, but many multiple sclerosis treatments can control symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. The treatment of multiple sclerosis has improved much, thanks to new drugs that are introduced soon after the patient is confirmed to have MS and advances in laboratory diagnosis, especially imaging with imaging. MRI.
Treatments include:
Immunomodulatory therapy to address immune problems and palliative therapy to control symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Use of certain medications: Steroids are used to reduce the severity of an attack of multiple sclerosis. Medicines to treat symptoms of the disease: Baclofen, Tizanidine, Diazepam to reduce muscle spasms. Cholinergic anti-vibration medications can help relieve urinary problems. Antidepressants can help people with psychological or behavioral symptoms. Amantadine is used for anti-fatigue effects. Immunomodulatory therapy is given by injection once or several times per week. The drug used is the form of Interferon or the drug Glatiramer acetate. Take certain medications that control symptoms and reduce nerve inflammation, such as corticosteroids, beta-blockers, or other medications to slow and suppress the immune system's response. Physical therapy and muscle relaxation methods to support treatment. A suitable lifestyle can help patients control this disease: Exercise, a balanced diet, reduce stress...
In addition, autologous hematopoietic stem cell transfusion can alleviate autoimmune reactions and long-term recurrences of the disease. The Hematology and Cell Therapy Unit at Vinmec International Hospital has started treating patients with multiple sclerosis with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

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