Re: multiple sclerosis treatment

Posted By ccf neuro M.D. on May 26, 1997 at 10:48:26:

In Reply to: Re: multiple sclerosis treatment posted by Mary on May 19, 1997 at 06:32:39:







: : I was definitively diagnosed by L.Schienberg(now retired) as having
benign MS 13 years ago in my mid thirties two years after sudden blindness in left eye.I got no treatment except Lioresal for
jumpy legs,and, a few years ago,Cylert to reduce fatigue.While it helped I could not sleep well with it and went off it.
Symptoms:
optic neuropathy-blind in left eye
sensory symptoms: numbness in head, legs etc.
fatigue:profound-often I can't put a dish in the sink.All I do is stay in bed except for working full time.
sleep: disrupted, insomnia at times, can't get a solid sleep, no biological clock;need to be cold
depression: this is getting to me; I have no energy, I miss family gatherings,
can't get out to see things and socialize, can't exercise to lose weight, my sleep pattern makes me tired
: Stress, infections and fatigue make my symptoms worse. (I'm on Vasotec, Synthroid-mild)
I just went to a new neurologist who prescribed 25mg of Pemolar, one tablet at bedtime to aid sleep and motivation.
What would you recommend? Should I seek another specialist?



          


Mary, your sign and symptoms certainly sound compatable with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Fatigue is an extremely common complaint amongst those who have the disorder. My personal favorite drug to use for it is called amantidine (Symmetrel). It is a generally well tolerated drug with few or no side effects for most people and often reduces this sense of fatigue. Other things to specifically avoid are extremes of temperature, especially heat, as this will worsen all symptoms of the disease since such it slown down the speed at which th enerves of the brain and spinal cord are able to conduct impulses, which clinically or symptomatically is minifested as worsening of symptoms, since every electrical impulse is slowed and some may even be blocked at higher temperatures. If you are interested in a second opinion on your disease including new treatment options like Avonex, Bet-Seron, and Copaxone, we have at the Cleveland Clinic an entire separate center known as the Mellen Center, whose sole purpose for    existence is the diagnosis and treatment of multiple sclerosis and related disorders. Many patients visit this center from all over the country and even the world for second opinions. If you would be interested in seeking one there, you may call 1-800-223-2273 and ask to be connected to MELLEN CENTER appointments. I would specifically recommend seeing Dr. Richard Rudick (the center's director), Dr. Rip Kinkel, or Dr. Jeff Cohen. I hope you find this information useful.