How to treat muscle stiffness in multiple sclerosis?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 54-year-old woman living with multiple sclerosis and partial paralysis for the past year. Despite being on medication, I am finding it harder to manage daily activities. The paralysis has greatly affected my mobility, and although I am following physical therapy, progress feels slow. I also deal with muscle stiffness and spasms, which make movement even more difficult. I have been feeling extremely fatigued recently, and it is hard to shake off the tiredness. My mood has been up and down, with some days feeling hopeless, and I am wondering if this could be related to my condition or the medications I am taking. Are there other treatments, therapies, or medication adjustments that might help improve my condition? Should I consider newer MS treatments or options to manage the paralysis better? I am also concerned about preventing further complications and maintaining as much independence as I can. What else can I do to improve my quality of life?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the brain and affects the nerves, leading to many different symptoms. What medications are you currently taking? When was your last visit to the neurologist? Have you had a recent MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)?

Issues identified:

Low mood and lack of energy.
Muscle stiffness
Reduced mobility.

Treatment:

Make sure to visit your neurologist regularly.
For stiffness, muscle relaxants like Baclofen can help.
For fatigue, Amantadine can be used.
It seems you may be experiencing some depressive symptoms. I strongly recommend seeing a psychiatrist for a proper evaluation, as early detection is important.

I know you are going through a lot, but things will improve. Take one step at a time. Recovery might be slow, but it will happen.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.