Infusion Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis Q&A
Multiple sclerosis is a disorder in which the immune system attacks the nerves’ protective covering. Multiple sclerosis manifests itself in a variety of ways, including vision loss, discomfort, fatigue, and decreased coordination. With infusion therapy for multiple sclerosis, medicine is delivered directly into your bloodstream for extended periods of time, relieving symptoms for longer periods of time. Dr. Nasser Nasseri, MD, and his team are available to assess, diagnose, and treat multiple sclerosis at Jean Walter Infusion. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Rosedale, Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, North Baltimore, Edgewater, and Catonsville MD.
Table of Contents:
What is infusion therapy for multiple sclerosis?
Why do multiple sclerosis patients need infusions?
How long is infusion therapy for multiple sclerosis?
What are the benefits of infusion therapy for multiple sclerosis?
The central nervous system (CNS) is affected by multiple sclerosis (MS), an immune-mediated condition. While experts aren’t exactly sure what causes it, they know it involves the immune system. MS can eventually destroy all the myelin that surrounds your nerves if left untreated. The nerves themselves may then be damaged.
Several types of treatments are available for MS, but there is no cure. Treatment can slow the progression of MS. It can also ease symptoms and reduce the damage caused by flare-ups, a flare-up is a period of symptoms.
A central venous catheter (central line) is used to deliver medications directly into the bloodstream intravenously (IV). In comparison to a typical IV, a central line is much longer. In most cases, it is inserted in a major vein just inside the heart or near it. If a patient needs multiple IV treatments, a central line can be used.
Certain oral medications are given as infusions instead of oral pills, since traveling through the digestive system can reduce their effectiveness. When medication needs to be administered at a certain rate, the lines are also used.
Infections are prevented and your health is maintained by your immune system. Your immune system can be attacked by your own body if you have an autoimmune disease. Multiple sclerosis (MS) fits this description. MS damages your nerves and destroys myelin, which protects your nerves.
There is numbness and weakness as a result of nerve pain. Corticosteroids can be used to treat multiple sclerosis, but they aren’t long-term solutions, infusion therapy can help in such a situation.
Messages from your brain to the rest of your body are protected by protective sheaths on your nerve fibers. A disease like MS that attacks the myelin can damage your nerves and cause permanent damage. Despite the fact that MS is incurable, there are treatments that help relieve symptoms and speed up recovery.
Depending on the medication you are taking, the timing of IV appointments will vary. Some medications take up to four hours to work, while others take one or two hours. You will be given an infusion based on the medication you are taking. When determining the duration of your infusion treatments, other factors related to your MS will also be considered.
After the treatment is over, your IV will be removed and you will be monitored for up to an hour for infusion reactions, you can return home and resume your normal activities if none occur.
With infusion therapy, medicine is delivered directly into your bloodstream for extended periods of time, relieving symptoms for longer periods of time. The medicine is administered through an infusion pump that drips it into a syringe through a catheter. Injections are administered through a syringe that is inserted into your vein and secured in place with medical tape. It varies on how long the treatment takes, but most patients feel relief before the end of their appointment.
Corticosteroids and plasma exchange are the most common treatments for MS, but both are expensive and only provide short-term relief. Infusion therapy can help treat and reduce relapse rates – allowing you to last longer between flare-ups. Infusion facilities are also cheaper than hospitals for receiving treatments.
Jean Walter Infusion provides medically prescribed infusion therapy for chronic conditions in a friendly and welcoming environment. In order to make your experience as comfortable as possible, our healthcare professionals are fully committed to your satisfaction.
Before starting treatment, we always inform patients of any potential side effects and answer any questions they may have.
Infusion therapy for multiple sclerosis is available at Jean Walter Infusion. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We serve patients from Rosedale MD, Baltimore MD, Columbia MD, Glen Burnie MD, Catonsville MD, North Baltimore MD, Edgewater MD, Parkville MD, Middle River MD, Dundalk MD, Halethrope MD, Ellicott City MD, Laurel MD, Hebbville MD, and Woodlawn MD.