What is the standard line of treatment for multiple sclerosis?
Dr P Satishchandra
Professor & Head, Department of Neurology,
NIMHANS,
Bangalore
Professor & Head, Department of Neurology,
NIMHANS,
Bangalore
Q: I am 29 years old and have been suffering from relapsing and remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) for the past 2 and a half years. My leg has been affected very badly but recovers after I take IV solumedrol for 5 days. Current attack of MS involved hand shaking, which recovered after taking IV Solumedrol. I can't afford interferons. What is the standard treatment for MS that is followed in India?
A:For relapsing and remitting form of multiple sclerosis, ideal proven treatment would be to use interferon. If the patient is not able to afford it, then we try other immunosuppressants (Oral Steroids or Azathioprine) for long time. This depends upon the frequency of relapses. You need careful assessment by a neurologist.