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The Lancet Neurology journal recently released their findings on a protein biomarker called sNfL (serum neurofilament light chain). According to the findings, this protein biomarker can potentially provide patients with more insights on their MS and how the symptoms will likely progress over time. It also paves the way for future studies that hope to shed light on the best treatment for multiple sclerosis relief. As the leading neuro rehab center in Miami, we wanted to highlight these exciting research findings and discuss their potential in improving MS recovery.
So, what exactly is the sNfL? And why have researchers started exploring it for MS rehabilitation and care? Notably, the sNfL is no stranger to the limelight, especially in the research field that focuses on neurodegenerative diseases.
In fact, if you head over to PubMed and key in sNfL in the search bar, you will come across at least a hundred titles of studies that look into its applications in tracking neuronal injury, mapping out the body’s immune response, and calculating risks for spastic paraplegia.
In short, it’s a widely studied biomarker that shows immense potential in understanding and preventing neuronal damages such as multiple sclerosis. In previous studies, researchers focus on how sNfL can predict risks for MS on a group level. On the one hand, researchers Benkert et al. aimed to use the sNfL to measure the risks of individuals by creating a reference database.
The study included 5390 individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. They also took 10,133 blood samples to study the population and their future risks for worse prognosis.
The researchers were able to identify individuals with heightened risks for a detrimental MS course. They also note that their findings might come in handy someday in comparing the efficacy of MS treatments.
Multiple sclerosis has become synonymous with unpredictability because of its varying impacts on the central nervous system. To date, study doctors and researchers on MS care strive to provide patients with a better understanding of what to expect from their disease. With the promising potential of the study of Dr. Benkert and his group, patients now have a higher chance of overcoming their risks and detecting complications early on.
It will also help strengthen programs provided by every neuro rehab center in Miami like iAM ABLE because therapists and trainers can further tailor the approach depending on the overall MS risks of an individual. We hope to see more studies explore the new applications of the sNfL protein biomarker.
MS treatment and care have definitely gone a long way. So, it’s not surprising why the treatment course of multiple sclerosis has changed drastically through the years. In fact, a 2019 literature review emphasizes that modern treatment for MS nowadays mainly involves early detection of risks and using immune therapy before the main symptoms begin to surface.
So, in a way, the findings of the sNfL study can aid doctors and patients in catching the disease before it progresses into the more damaging phases. To date, here are the commonly used MS immunotherapies, depending on the specific stage of the disease:
Besides early immunotherapies, MS patients can also tap into other options to manage risks such as using plasma exchange, injectable treatments, infusion treatments, and oral or IV corticosteroids. To know which option will suit you the best, we suggest consulting with your specialist or primary doctor.
There you have it – the latest news on MS care and recovery. We hope our brief discussion has motivated you to keep moving forward despite the many challenges of living with multiple sclerosis. We also encourage you to take active steps in managing your risks for a detrimental course of MS.
With the help of a rigid neurorehabilitation program, you can increase brain function and protect your nervous system from damage. Additionally, it can come in handy in coping with common MS symptoms like muscle tremors, brain fog, and impaired cognition.
A neuro-rehab program for MS patients can consist of different components, depending on the severity of the condition and the overall risks. Generally, it can include the following:
Spasticity rehab and management can help you manage muscle spasms. Notably, muscle spasms are a common problem experienced by patients living with MS.
This specific component involves identifying the best medication treatments to cope with the different symptoms.
Activity-based therapy is a proven effective method in improving recovery from paralyzing conditions like MS.
Occupational therapists help patients retrain skills needed to complete ADLs or activities of daily living.
Some MS rehabilitation and recovery cases require speech-language therapy to improve communication and breath support.
Some MS rehab specialists provide wheelchair seating evaluations to help patients find the most suitable mobility equipment to use.
Work with the leading neuro rehab center in Miami. We also invite you to download our eBook on living with paralysis to help you understand how you can cope better with your MS symptoms. For more questions about MS care and neurorehabilitation programs in Miami, please call iAM ABLE at 305-283-9717. You can also write to us at alfredo@iamable.org for your additional questions.
Grab our free e-book 7 Unbelievably Important Steps to Take to THRIVE after Paralysis by clicking the image below.
