Paraneoplastic syndrome is a common condition in patients with cancer. The syndrome usually arises due to the immune system trying to fight against the cancer cells, and in the midst of that process, attacking normal cells. It is most common in individuals suffering from lung, ovarian, breast, and lymphatic cancers. A paraneoplastic syndrome can be seen as an early symptom of cancer, which develops over a period of days or weeks, prior to the cancer being discovered. Some of the major symptoms involved with the paraneoplastic syndrome may include; loss of muscle tone, difficulties walking, swallowing and in speech, vision problems, loss of fine motor coordination, problems sleeping, dementia, seizure as well as vertigo.[1]
Home Remedies For Paraneoplastic Syndrome
Are there any home remedies for paraneoplastic syndrome? It is a challenge to manage paraneoplastic syndrome with home remedies, considering that the disorder is attributed to an immunological disorder. On top of that, the underlying cause is often undiagnosed cancer, which is also difficult to manage at home. The best home remedy for patients with the paraneoplastic syndrome can be considered to be learning more about the condition you have and having family support. Other than that, it is crucial that you eat healthily, follow prescribed medication to the letter, and avoid anything that would worsen your condition. Additionally, you can join a support group, where you can share your experience with the condition, as well as how you cope with it. Also, you can learn from what others do, how they take care of themselves while at home, the activities they engage in and so on.
When at home, it is important that you, or if you have a caregiver, keep a close watch on you. Keep tabs on your symptoms, whether they are improving or worsening, the complications you have to take prescribed medication and the relation to your condition, and any other changes you may experience. You can also engage in friendly exercises and activities such as moderate aerobics, speech therapy, and muscle strengthening exercises to help alleviate symptoms such as muscle weakness, poor motor coordination, and speech problems. For safety measures, you can have your caregiver look after you as you exercise, and in case of any problems they can help out. Do not push your body beyond its limits as that might cause more problems, which may compromise your healing process.[5] [6]
Forms Of Paraneoplastic Syndromes
Paraneoplastic syndromes basically affect your central nervous system. There are several types of paraneoplastic syndromes, and some are more common than others. In addition to that, there are those types which are common with particular types of cancers. Some of the forms of paraneoplastic syndromes include; Paraneoplastic encephalomyelitis (PEM), limbic encephalitis, brainstem encephalitis, paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration. Paraneoplastic opsoclonus-myoclonus, paraneoplastic retinal degeneration, motor neuronopathy, autonomic neuropathy, Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, myasthenia gravis, and dermatomyositis, to name a few.[4]
Managing Paraneoplastic Syndrome
The best way to manage paraneoplastic syndrome is by treating the underlying condition, which in this case is cancer. Once the tumor has been diagnosed, treatment for cancer can commence, and thereafter efforts to manage the autoimmune response can be initiated. Possible treatment options for paraneoplastic syndrome include the use of steroids, irradiation, as well as administration of high dose immunoglobins.
Although paraneoplastic syndromes have an immunology etiology, immunotherapy is not always efficient in all cases. Immunotherapy treatments which can be considered for such syndrome are plasma exchange and immunoadsorption. Additionally, an antibody cleansing process, known as plasmapheresis, can be helpful in relieving the symptoms of a paraneoplastic disorder. In particular, for patients whose peripheral nervous system has been compromised.[1] [2] [3]
Conclusion
Paraneoplastic syndromes cannot be cured and currently, there are no treatments to avoid progressive neurological damage. Therefore, the best way to manage a paraneoplastic syndrome is through the treatment of cancer, and effective immunotherapy treatments. At home, the best you can do is keep yourself safe and do not engage in any activities that may compromise your current situation. In case of a total loss of muscle functionality and mobility, find someone to look after you and help you out around the house. Otherwise, eat healthily, take your medication and always go for your doctor visits.
- https://m/onlymyhealth.com/what-treatment-paraneoplastic-syndrome-12977605514
- https://theoncologist.alphamedpress.org/content/11/3/292.full
- https://www.brainfacts.org/Diseases-and-Disorders/Neurological-Disorders-AZ/Diseases-A-to-Z-from-NINDS/Paraneoplastic-Syndromes
- https://jnnp.bmj.com/content/75/suppl_2/ii43
- Https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/paraneoplastic-syndromes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-2035569
- https://www.drugs.com/mcd/paraneoplastic-syndromes-of-the-nervous-system
Also Read:
- How To Diagnose Paraneoplastic Syndrome & What Is The Best Medicine For It?
- What Is The Best Treatment For Paraneoplastic Syndrome?
- What To Eat & Avoid When You Have Paraneoplastic Syndrome?
- Can Paraneoplastic Syndrome Go Away On Its Own & What Are It’s Natural Remedies?
- What Is The Prognosis For Paraneoplastic Syndrome?
- Is Hypercalcemia A Paraneoplastic Syndrome?
- Is Paraneoplastic Syndrome A Serious Condition & Can It Be Reversed?