Multiple sclerosis is a chronic or long-term condition of the brain and spinal cord, the two main parts of the central nervous system. The disease affects each individual differently, causing varied and unpredictable symptoms like weakness, vision problems, and bowel issues. It occurs when the immune system attacks myelin, the protective layer insulating wire-like nerve fibers. While there’s no known cure yet, there are multiple ways to manage multiple sclerosis: Treatment options Several treatments are available for multiple sclerosis. Doctors may prescribe the following treatments to help patients manage the disease. PONVORY® The FDA has approved PONVORY® (ponesimod) for treating relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, including relapsing-remitting disease, active secondary progressive disease, and clinically isolated syndrome. It can lower relapse episodes and the number of lesions and slow down disease progression. PONVORY® is thought to work by reducing the number of immune cells, called lymphocytes, in the blood. It’s an oral treatment usually taken once a day with or without food. Some common side effects include upper respiratory tract infections, elevated liver enzymes (abnormal liver tests), and high blood pressure. KESIMPTA® KESIMPTA® (ofatumumab) is an FDA-approved treatment for adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. It’s a monoclonal antibody that works by depleting some immune B cells, which have been thought to contribute to nervous system damage in the disease.

Tardive dyskinesia (TD), in most cases, develops as an uncommon side effect of specific existing neurological prescriptions. Patients develop visible facial symptoms, including lip smacking, rapid blinking, and tongue thrusting, among others. These symptoms are triggered due to basic involuntary muscle contractions as the brain releases excess dopamine when one has tardive dyskinesia. There is no cure, but read on to know the prescriptions, treatments, and suggested lifestyle changes for the condition: Prescriptions for tardive dyskinesia One of the primary treatment methods suggested by specialists is the prevention of the symptoms and minimizing the risk of progression. Several FDA-approved prescriptions have proven to be effective in managing symptoms. Ingrezza® Ingrezza® once-a-day capsules are approved for treating and managing motor control issues linked to tardive dyskinesia. Adults can take the daily dose as suggested by their healthcare providers to manage specific facial and body movements that are involuntarily triggered during the disease progression. It controls the brain’s release of dopamine, one of the primary hormones linked to motor control, to prevent uncoordinated movements. Several clinical trials conducted revealed that the symptoms were managed within a period of six to eight weeks with a daily prescription. Continued use further improved outlook and quality of life among those dealing with moderate to severe symptoms.

Migraines are unbearable headaches that can last for hours or even days. About 17.1% of women and 5.6% of men in the country suffer from the condition. There are various stages of a migraine attack, such as prodrome, aura, attack, and postdrome. A common trigger for migraines is osmophobia, where strong odors trigger the condition. Health experts say migraines are also triggered by genetics, bright lights, hormonal changes, and several other factors such as: Car exhaust The amount of vehicular traffic on the road ensures that one passes by hundreds of automobiles every day. They may even drive one to work and other destinations. However, this simple occurrence could be triggering migraine symptoms in an individual. Cars give out carbon monoxide (CO), which is an odorless, colorless gas and is a byproduct of engine combustion. Once inhaled, the gas can stay inside for several hours. Pesticides Pesticides can be chemical substances, biological agents like a virus, bacterium, antimicrobial, or disinfectants. They are created to prevent or eliminate pests that may damage crops and other vegetation in farms and other regions. However, properties in pesticides such as DDT, chlordane, and toxaphene can negatively impact the human body. These chemicals can trigger migraines that can last for hours.

Cancer is a term used to describe a group of diseases caused due to the growth and multiplication of abnormal cells in the body. Breast cancer is when this abnormal growth starts in the breast. Around one in eight women are at risk of developing the condition. The most common sign is a lump in the breast or armpit. Here are some treatments, nutritional choices, and lifestyle changes that can help manage breast cancer: Get the right treatment Unfortunately, there is no cure for breast cancer yet. The various available treatments focus on reducing this condition’s symptoms and slowing cancer’s spread. Popular options include oral therapies, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Here is a closer look at two well-known treatments: CAR T-cell therapy CAR-T cell therapy (chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy) is a form of immunotherapy that can help treat many different types of cancer. It uses the individual’s own immune cells to fight the harmful cells in the body. Immune cells, or T cells, are extracted from the patient’s blood and modified in a laboratory. The modified cells are then injected back into the bloodstream. They are now more capable of fighting the disease. Over the last few years, CAR-T cell therapy has progressed significantly.

Many people don’t realize the importance of building and maintaining strong and healthy bones until their bones begin to weaken. Bones protect vital organs and store important nutrients and minerals. However, common diseases like osteoporosis, which affects about 10 million people in the country, can make the bone weak and more likely to break. Fortunately, osteoporosis and other diseases that affect the bone can be managed and even prevented with these simple tips: Treatment options For women with osteoporosis, an excellent treatment option is EVENITY®. The FDA has approved it to treat osteoporosis in women after menopause. Those looking for an effective bone strengthening treatment must know that EVENITY® works in two ways to treat osteoporosis: it boosts the body’s natural ability to form new bone and reduces bone loss simultaneously. It’s one of the only treatments to target these two critical aspects of bone health simultaneously. Studies conducted on EVENITY® found that it helps build new bones rapidly and reduces the risk of spine fracture in 12 months. It consists of two shots (single dose) given under the skin monthly by a healthcare provider. Like every other treatment, EVENITY® comes with certain side effects. The most common side effects are joint pain and headaches.

Maintaining bone health becomes increasingly important with age, as the risk of developing bone-related issues, along with fractures and bone collapse, increases as one gets older. Experts suggest that taking up balance and stability exercises can help older adults limit and prevent falls, which may lead to injuries. However, certain diseases can cause bone loss. So here are a few health conditions that could affect the bones, along with common symptoms and treatment options. Osteopetrosis This condition is also known as the Marble bone disease or the Albers-Schonberg disease. It is characterized by increased bone density, making the bones extremely heavy and brittle. They also become weak and incapable of supporting the body. Not only does osteoporosis affect the bones, but it also attacks the bone marrow, which is crucial for fighting infections in the body. This marrow is also responsible for carrying oxygen and helping control bleeding in the body. Symptoms: Fractures, deafness, facial nerve paralysis, low blood cell production, and loss of the cranial nerve function that can lead to blindness are common symptoms of osteopetrosis. Treatment options: The doctor may recommend hormone therapy for both men and post-menopausal women as a treatment option. Some other invasive therapy options as well, which can be prescribed by the doctor if necessary.