|
|
Brain Repaired
Researchers have found a route
to tackle multiple sclerosis, reports Biplab Das
In multiple sclerosis (MS), brain cells are slowly crippled. It takes three to four decades to make a victim wheelchair-bound. But, timely medical intervention can alleviate this scourge. In a recent issue of the
British Medical Journal, Prof. C. H. Polman and neurologist B. M. J. Uitdehaag from the Academic Hospital Vrije
Universiteit, Amsterdam, reported that new drugs are available to combat MS.
According to them, exposure to an environmental agent and genetic predisposition are the cardinal causes of MS. Researchers hunted down the genes responsible. What is more, they discovered that immune system is over-excited by MS. In consequence, T cells reach the brain through the blood-brain barrier.
In the brain, these cells devour the myelin sheaths covering the nerves,
paralysing the cells. This has been confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI).
For many years corticosteroids have been the first line of defence against this dreaded disease. Now, this Dutch duo has found the effectiveness of beta interferon and glatiramer acetate.
"Application of beta interferon drugs in patients with mild to moderate disability showed reduction of active brain lesions
and had a positive effect on total lesion load in the brain," wrote Polman and Uitedaag in the BMJ report.
Also, glatimer acetate, which resembles myelin proteins, has been shown to restore worn out myelin sheaths. In a two-year trial, intake of 20 mg of glatimer acetate reduced the severity of the disease by 29 per cent.
The only drawback to using these drugs is that they are very expensive.
|
|
|
5 Vital Facts About Multiple Sclerosis
1) This disease does not greatly reduce life expectancy. Death (except for patients who die during the first attack) is due to complications arising from malnutrition, infection or ulceration.
2) About 10 per cent of patients are severely disabled within five years, 25 per cent within 10 years and 50 per cent within 18 years. Debilitating effects like ataxia (failure of muscular coordination), loss of muscle control and impaired mental capacity are also seen.
3) Sexual dysfunction is an added complication in male patients. In women, the most common effects are leg spasticity, defective bladder and fatigue.
4) Psychological symptoms also occur. Depression is probably the most common symptom and can be treated with tricyclic antidepressants. Euphoria is rare and not susceptible to therapy.
5) Rehabilitation is vital for patients of MS. For this, the concerted efforts of physiotherapists,
speech therapist, occupational therapists and dieticians are necessary. Emotional support and counseling are essential for both patients and the family members caring for them.
|
|
|
|
