IVSM: Same Question...One more time

[Leeaura]

Can someone explain again how IVSM works or what it's supposed to do?

Is it, if it works, supposed to stop DAMAGE that hasnt occurred yet in that particular relapse?

Does it just relieve symptoms from damage that has already occurred?

P.S. THIS WOULD B A FABULOUS STICKY IF SOMEONE WANTS TO TAKE THE TIME TO WRITE IT!

THX for any help you can give me.

[Kimba22]

Hi Leeaura,

Steroids are used in an attempt to shorten the duration of an acute relapse, by reducing inflammation in the CNS. But unfortunately, the damage has already occurred. But, the hope is they will help relieve our symptoms once the inflammation subsides. The amount of recovery sustained after a relapse will most likely be the same, however, with or without the use of steroids.

"Exacerbations (relapses) are caused by inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS). The inflammation damages the mylelin which slows or disrupts the transmission of nerve impulses and causes the symptoms of MS.

In the most common disease course in MS — called relapsing-remitting MS — clearly defined acute exacerbations are followed by remissions as the inflammatory process gradually comes to an end. Going into remission doesn’t necessarily mean that the symptoms disappear totally — some people will return to feeling exactly as they did before the exacerbation began, while others may find themselves left with some ongoing symptoms." http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Tre...aging-Relapses

"Corticosteroids are used in MS for the management of acute exacerbations because they have the capacity to close the damaged blood-brain barrier and reduce inflammation in the central nervous system." http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Tre...ns/Solu-Medrol

They are often reserved for acute relapses that have a significant effect on our daily life, because of serious side effects from long-term, continuous use of steroids. They include stomach ulcers, hypertension, cataracts, osteoporosis (thinning of the bone), deterioration of the head of the thigh bone and chemical diabetes.

I hope this helps.

Best wishes ,