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Review
. 2022 Aug 1;28(4):1052-1082.
doi: 10.1212/CON.0000000000001140.

Approach to Symptom Management in Multiple Sclerosis With a Focus on Wellness

Rebecca Spain
Review

Approach to Symptom Management in Multiple Sclerosis With a Focus on Wellness

Rebecca Spain. Continuum (Minneap Minn). .

Abstract

Purpose of review: This article describes an approach to symptom management in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), emphasizing healthy lifestyles and evidence-based treatments.

Recent findings: Growing evidence supports healthy nutrition, exercise, and emotional well-being (wellness) as foundational for MS symptom management. A stepped approach starts with healthy lifestyle practices and adds nonpharmacologic, pharmacologic, and procedural-based therapies balancing levels of evidence, risks, and potential benefits. The growing availability of cannabis and widespread use of dietary supplements in self-management of MS symptoms raise both therapeutic promises and challenges.

Summary: Wellness approaches for MS symptom management foster self-reliance and should be reinforced early and often. Recognition of symptom clusters and medical comorbidities helps limit polypharmacy.

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