According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, around one million people in the United States are living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a condition that can dramatically affect daily life. Managing and slowing the progression of MS is crucial for improving the quality of life for those diagnosed.
At Smart Infusion, we're dedicated to offering expert infusion therapy services across Wisconsin. Our team understands the complexities of MS and is committed to providing specialized care that's tailored to your unique needs. Through our infusion services, we work towards slowing the progression of MS and helping you maintain independence and comfort. Discover the benefits of infusion therapy by scheduling an appointment with one of our experts today.
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Understanding the role of infusion therapy in managing MS can offer hope and direction for patients and their families.
What Is Infusion Therapy?
Infusion therapy refers to the administration of medications or fluids directly into the bloodstream through an IV. This allows for faster and more effective delivery of treatment compared to oral medication, which may have reduced absorption in patients with MS.
With infusion therapy, patients can receive high-dose medications that may not be attainable through oral medications, and the effects can last for a longer period.
What Is MS?
Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, causing damage to the protective sheath (myelin) around nerve fibers. This can lead to communication problems between the brain and other parts of the body, resulting in a range of symptoms such as numbness or weakness in limbs, fatigue, and cognitive impairment. MS can cause inflammation and lesions in the brain and spinal cord.
Common MS symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Numbness or weakness in limbs
- Vision problems
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Bladder and bowel dysfunction
How Does Infusion Therapy Help Slow Disease Progression?
Infusion therapy can help slow the progression of MS in several ways:
- Relieving symptoms: Infusion therapy can help manage symptoms such as fatigue, pain, and spasticity, which are common with MS. By reducing these symptoms, MS infusion treatment can improve quality of life and allow patients to engage in daily activities more comfortably.
- Reducing inflammation: Inflammation is a major contributor to the progression of MS. Many infusion therapies work by targeting and suppressing inflammatory cells, helping to prevent damage to nerve tissues.
- Modifying immune response: Some infusion treatments are designed to modify the body's immune response, preventing it from attacking its own myelin sheath (the protective covering of nerve fibers). This can help slow the progression of MS and prevent relapses.
- Preventing relapses: Infusion therapy can also reduce the frequency and severity of relapses, which are periods of worsening symptoms that may occur in patients with MS.
Infusion Therapy for MS at Smart Infusion
At Smart Infusion, we are equipped to provide advanced medications specifically designed to help manage and reduce the progression of MS. Our therapies are tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
- Tysabri (Natalizumab): An IV therapy for adults with relapsing multiple sclerosis that prevents immune cells from reaching the brain and spinal cord, reducing inflammation.
- Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab): A humanized anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody that targets B lymphocytes. Used to treat various relapsing forms of MS and primary progressive MS in adults, Ocrevus provides a comprehensive management approach for adults.
- Briumvi (Ublituximab): A monoclonal antibody that targets specific B-cells, reducing the risk of relapse in patients with MS.
What to Expect During an Infusion Therapy Session
At Smart Infusion, we strive to make your infusion therapy medication as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Our team will guide you through each step of the process, including:
- Equipment setup: We will prepare all necessary medication and equipment for your infusion session.
- Administration of medication: Our experienced advanced practice nurses will administer your prescribed medication at a controlled rate to ensure the best results.
- Monitoring: Throughout your session, our team will closely monitor your vital signs and infusion progress to ensure that you are receiving the proper treatment.
- Comfort measures: We understand that infusion therapy can sometimes be uncomfortable or anxiety-inducing for MS patients. Our facility is equipped with amenities such as comfortable seating, entertainment options, and snacks to help make your experience more enjoyable.
Discover Relief from MS with Smart Infusion
Managing Multiple Sclerosis effectively demands comprehensive and personalized strategies, and infusion therapy has emerged as a crucial approach to slowing the disease's progression. At Smart Infusion, we provide the specialized care needed to enhance the quality of life for MS patients.
Ready to see what infusion therapy can do for you? Schedule an appointment today to explore how our therapies can transform your MS journey.