Suggest treatment option for multiple sclerosis in elderly males
Patient: My primary care physician is sending me to a rheumatologist for evaluation. I have tested negative for all the markers. M.S. is also being considered. What are the symptoms for M.S. in an otherwise healthy 66 year old white male? Treatment options and prognosis? Doctor: Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.60 is not a typical age for presentation of multiple sclerosis (MS). MS usually presents in early life around 20-30 years and is defined as multiple neurological deficits spread in space and time. Symptoms include optic neuritis, bladder dysfunction, muscle spasticity and ataxic gait. It is relapsing and remitting in nature most of the times. Treatment includes: 1. High dose steroids in acute replace to decrease the intensity. 2. Disease-modifying drugs (interferon, Natalizumab) 3. Bladder relief (catheterization, anticholinergics) 4. Baclofen, Dantrolene for muscle spasticity. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.Regards,      Dr. Muhammad Adnan Iqbal