Low-dose naltrexone (LDN). I have just been prescribed LDN for my two autoimmune diseases (not MS) by my endocrinologist. I am i'm looking forward to trying this out! Dr Mercola has a great article on this: "Can LDN Really Help Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Other Autoimmune Diseases?" The video at the start of the article is about a woman with MS going from a wheelchair to a walker after taking LDN. She mentioned feeling the difference of LDN overnight!
Check out the book: Minding My Mitochondria: How I Overcame Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Got Out of My Wheelchair, 2nd Edition - Terry L. Wahls M.D. There is an excellent video presentation online as well: Minding Your Mitochondria: Dr. Terry Wahls at TEDxIowaCity
There is a drug Ampyra which can help with walking. Also being checked out by a good Physical Therapist can help. If he has foot drag he might get a brace to help. The PT might give him specific exercises to help.
LDN has not done well in scientific double blind studies for MS. It is what is called antecdotal medicine meaning people use it and swear by it. My MS Specialist will not prescribe LDN for his patients so I have never tried it.
Alex
Maygan - I thinks it's great that you're looking into this for your brother! It's a huge help. for those of us with MS, to have family standing behind us.
Another possibility is a drug called Ampyra. It's called the walking pill. It is designed specifically to help people with MS walk faster. The 'faster' claim is the only benefit that is quantifiable so that's what they use.
I take it and find that it helps with walking over all.My legs feel stronger and steadier.
Kyle
Thank you.. is ampyra expensive? Will medicaid covr anything...?
Look into George Jelenik's book "Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis". Many doubt the effects of diet but I personally believe it works. Anything that isn't harmful is worth a try and the healthy diet suggested by Jelenik is definitely not harmful!
I agree that a healthy diet is an important component of the battle against MS. I also believe that using any and all available weapons is important.
Ampyra can be expensive but there are many programs available that should bring your monthly cost into the $50 area.
Kyle
A doctor who isn't willing to try a cheap drug that has almost zero side effects to see if you feel better? Sad state of affairs.