Recommendations for multiple sclerosis

The article is written by Specialist Doctor II Pham Thi Son - Neurologist, Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that is a leading cause of disability in young adults.
Histopathology is due to demyelinated white matter patches. These acute lesions are associated with inflammatory infiltrates that, in remission, leave plaques of astrocytes and glial cells.
In the UK, the incidence of new multiple sclerosis is 1:200,000 per year and is the most common cause of progressive disability in adulthood.
Approximately 15 years from diagnosis, about half of patients have significant mobility impairment and require assistance and a wheelchair.
Average age of disease onset: 30-40.
Multiple sclerosis has a serious impact on the ability to care for children and financial status.
Expectations for survival are not severely reduced but disability is high.

Corticosteroid treatment during exacerbations of multiple sclerosis can cause side effects. Although short-term high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone has relatively few side effects in most patients. But there are also some potential side effects such as:
Mental status changes: Psychiatric side effects may include increased symptoms of depression, mania Increased susceptibility to infections: Common especially urinary tract infections Gastric disorders: Gastric mucosal inflammation, gastroesophageal reflux disease Hyperglycemia Increased incidence of osteoporosis fractures Hypertension

To minimize these side effects patients should:
Always discuss your problems with your treating physician and direct care nurse Prophylaxis in the morning (As prescribed by your doctor) ) Low dose clonazepam at night during glucocorticoid treatment (According to doctor's prescription). Diabetic patients may have to be hospitalized to monitor glucose levels Annually measure osteoporosis levels Sunbathe every day for about 15-30 minutes, in the morning from 6am-7pm Stay optimistic, increase exercise Exercise, physical therapy, apply a diet suitable for secondary diseases after taking drugs: Such as diet for diabetics, hypertension, osteoporosis...

In case the patient has a round muscle disorder, especially incomplete urinary retention, after each urination, there is still more than 100ml of urine left in the urine, a bladder catheter or intermittent nebulization can be used. bacteria. This second treatment is the treatment of choice for most patients. This technique should be taught by a specialist rehabilitation worker who will also assist in monitoring the patient.
There are many types of nebulizer available on the market and the specialist will choose for the patient the most suitable one, a 10-14 F catheter, which is usually sufficient to drain the bladder, intermittent clean nebulization should be 3 to 5 times in 24 hours.
In case of complete urinary retention it is necessary to intubate the bladder during the acute phase. However, it should be replaced with a long-term suprapubic catheter if the lesion is persistent and the patient or caregiver is unable to perform intermittent nebulization.
Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the hospitals that not only ensures professional quality with a team of leading medical doctors, a system of modern equipment and technology. The hospital provides comprehensive and professional medical examination, consultation and treatment services, with a civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space. Customers when choosing to perform tests here can be completely assured of the accuracy of test results.