Multiple Sclerosis Treatment in India

Types & Procedure of Multiple Sclerosis Treatment in India

Some of the types of treatments that are used to manage the complications and symptoms of multiple sclerosis are:

• Disease-Modifying Therapies (DMTs)
• Symptom Management
• Physical and Occupational Therapy
• Rehabilitation
• Lifestyle Modifications
• Alternative and Complementary Therapies
• Disease Management Strategies

Disease-Modifying Therapies (DMTs)

These are the medications that reduce the chances of progression of multiple sclerosis. These medicines help control the severity of the disease.

Symptom Management

Symptoms of multiple sclerosis are different for every patient and it should be managed to improve the quality of life of patients. For example, some medications are used to treat pain, muscle spasms, and feelings of tiredness.

Physical and Occupational Therapy

Physical and occupational therapy deals with the complications of multiple sclerosis. Physical therapy improves the strength of the body for daily activities and occupational therapy helps in performing those activities with great ease.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation programs involve physical therapy, speech therapy, and cognitive rehabilitation that can help in managing specific symptoms and improve the overall quality of life of patients.

Lifestyle Modifications

Maintaining a healthy diet and physical activity is also an important part of treatment for multiple sclerosis. It can help the patient to perform activities of daily living with great ease and comfort.

Disease Management Strategies

In addition to medical treatments, healthcare providers may work with individuals to plan personalized strategies for managing their specific symptoms of MS. Disease management strategies also help in managing a specific type of multiple sclerosis.

Cost & Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis Treatment in India

Some of the diagnostic methods used for multiple sclerosis are:

Clinical Evaluation

The symptoms and medical history of a patient can help in diagnosing the disease. However, multiple sclerosis cannot be diagnosed based on symptoms only.

Neurological Examination

Neurological examination includes a set of tests that are performed on patients to check for any signs of problems related to the nervous system. These may include muscle tests, senses, and reflexes.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

MRI provides a clear picture of the brain and spinal cord which can help in visualizing the damaged nerve fibers present in the central nervous system.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis

Sometimes, doctors take a small amount of fluid that is only present in the brain and spinal cord from the lower back to check for signs of Multiple Sclerosis. This test helps in the confirmation of the diagnosis.

Blood Tests

Blood tests are performed to rule out other conditions that can produce symptoms. It can help find other diseases that can mimic multiple sclerosis.

McDonald Criteria

Doctors follow certain rules to decide whether Multiple Sclerosis is a confirmed diagnosis. In this, test results and symptoms are combined to make a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.

Rule Out Other Conditions

Sometimes, other diseases can cause the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. So healthcare providers check for other conditions before making a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.

Cost of Multiple Sclerosis Treatment in India

The cost of multiple sclerosis treatment in India ranges from ₹ 17,21,000 to ₹ 21,00,000. The cost can vary according to the complications and symptoms of each patient with multiple sclerosis. The cost can also vary according to the type of multiple sclerosis present in individual patients.

Multiple Scerosis Treatment Costs in Different Cities of India

Symptoms & Risk Factors of Multiple Sclerosis Treatment in India

Different patients with MS experience different symptoms. Some of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis are:

• Numbness or Tingling
• Muscle Weakness
• Muscle Spasms
• Balance Problems
• Blurred Vision
• Double Vision
• Pain
• Problems with Coordination and Movement
• Cognitive Changes
• Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction
• Emotional Changes
• Trouble Walking
• Dizziness and Vertigo
• Tremors
• Difficulty Swallowing
• Speech Problems
• Heat Sensitivity
• Itching or Burning Sensations
• Electric-Shock Sensations with Certain Neck Movements
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Mood Swings
• Memory Problems
• Trouble Concentrating

Risk Factors of Multiple Sclerosis

Some of the risk factors associated with Multiple Sclerosis are:

Gender

There is a prominent difference in the occurrence of multiple sclerosis in male gender and female gender. The disease is more commonly present among females and very few male populations are affected by the disease.

Age

Although multiple sclerosis can occur at any stage of life, it mostly occurs within the age range of 20 to 50 years. This particular age group also helps in the diagnosis of this condition.

Genetics

The risk factor of multiple sclerosis also includes genetic factors. Individuals who have close family members such as a parent or sibling, with Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis are at more risk of developing the condition themselves.

Geography

Regions positioned farther away from the equator usually have a higher prevalence of MS cases. This geographic factor also shows an association between the risk of Multiple Sclerosis and factors like vitamin D levels and exposure to sunlight.

Ethnicity

Certain ethnic backgrounds are more prone to develop the disease of multiple sclerosis. For example, individuals of Northern Europe have an elevated risk as compared to other ethnic groups.

Viral Infections

Some viruses can increase the risk of multiple sclerosis in individuals. For this reason, people who have a history of viral infection are at greater risk of developing multiple sclerosis.

Smoking

Smoking can disturb the various functions of the body. It also affects the covering of nerve fibers and increases the susceptibility of multiple sclerosis in heavy smokers.

Low Vitamin D Levels

Very low levels of vitamin D can also increase the risk of multiple sclerosis. Low levels of vitamin D can also relate to limited exposure to sunlight and low intake of a diet that contains vitamin D. Both of these can be the reason for low vitamin D which can cause multiple sclerosis.