Multiple Sclerosis - Diagnosis and Treatment

Multiple Sclerosis – Diagnosis and Treatment

Bangalore, India, is known for its all-encompassing quality healthcare system and the top-tier medical team comprising highly qualified physicians and surgeons. With a relatively lower cost per operation, the region has also been frequented by most medical tourists arriving from different parts of the world, like those from Asia, Australia, China, and other European countries. 

More specifically, this demographical data is represented by those medical tourists whose main problem focuses on the pathophysiological involvement of degenerative neuromuscular disorders like Multiple Sclerosis. 

Although research on the possible management and pharmacological interventions of multiple sclerosis is currently underway, there are still various inquiries regarding the diagnostic approach and treatment plan. Subsequently, the best neurology hospital in Bangalore has also spearheaded various diagnostic innovations in helping their patients understand the complexity of the disease. Thus, it is only essential that patients are familiar with the different diagnostic and treatment processes. Here are some of the key facts that you need to know with regards to the management of multiple sclerosis to help you.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of MS(multiple sclerosis) is conducted by performing a differential diagnosis on which physician will base their findings. Since there are numerous disease processes with confounding symptomatology as Multiple sclerosis, it is even harder to explicate the possible underlying condition. Correspondingly, the correct diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis would also need to be done through careful assessment of blood works, physical examination, and the physician’s analysis. Thus, the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis may be based on the following:

Blood Tests

The hematologic studies directed to rule out Multiple Sclerosis from its definitive biomarkers are currently under development and may be used in the future. However, doctors still used hematologic studies as part of supportive care planning to evaluate their patients’ condition. 

Spinal Tap (Lumbar Puncture)

Another initial diagnostic parameter used by physicians in ruling out the possibility of multiple sclerosis is the use of spinal tap or lumbar puncture. In this procedure, a sample of cerebrospinal fluid is taken directly from the patient and sent to the laboratory for analysis. 

In anticipation, a suspected patient with multiple sclerosis will have relatively higher trace amounts of certain protein due to the auto-destruction of the body’s immune response to the nerve tissues. Correspondingly, high amounts of antibodies can also signal the physician that there may be a problem regarding the myelin sheaths. 

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

The MRI is used to reveal areas of lesions in the brain and highlight which parts need to be prioritized. In this diagnostic procedure, an injection containing contrast material is introduced via the intravenous route to eliminate the areas where lesions are suspected. This will help doctors rule out any other CNS-related disorder which may have aggravated your condition.

Evoked Potential Tests

 The evoked potential test is conducted to see how the nerve impulses and electrical signals travel when a stimulus is introduced. This test can help the physician rule out any other conditions since patients with multiple sclerosis have problems with their myelin sheaths (responsible for the fast transmission of electrical signals in the brain). Thus, a slower than normal emission pattern can indicate that there may be some problem with how the electrical impulses are produced or relayed in the brain. 

Important Diagnostic Considerations

Since the diagnostic tests for multiple sclerosis are conducted partially on the reliance of MRI imaging and spinal tap, it is often difficult to assess the disorder’s progressiveness in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis. Hence, physicians sometimes opt to conduct a series of imaging tests, evoked potential tests, and spinal fluid analysis to develop a conclusive understanding of the patient’s status. 

If you plan to have a diagnostic test conducted, you can visit the best neurology hospital in Bangalore. They have the best facilities for the said purposes and have a highly-esteemed team of qualified neurologists. Consider visiting if you want to get the best healthcare service. 

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Treatment

The new therapies emerging classified as DMT‘s (disease-modifying treatment), are designed to help those with disorders of the central nervous system like multiple sclerosis have a better-quality life by reducing symptoms and alleviation discomforts commonly experienced during the exacerbation of the condition. With the recent FDA approval of Siponimod (Mayzent), people with MS can now take one tablet of the drug and experience a significant reduction in the disorder’s relapse and progression. Other possible treatment options also include Cladribine (Mavenclad) and Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus).