Neurological Condition
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
It is a chronic disease of the central nervous system (CNS). It affects an estimated one million people in the United States and has been in diagnosed in more than 2.3 million people worldwide. The condition affects primarily people aged between 20 and 50 years old, with the average onset of the disease being 34. However, children can also develop MS – between 2%-5% of MS patients develop symptoms before they turn 18. Women are twice as likely to suffer from MS as men.
Specific treatment for MS will be determined by your doctor based on:
- Your age, overall health, and medical history
- Extent of the disease
- Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- Expectations for the course of the disease
- Your opinion or preference
Treatments for the conditions associated with MS may include the following:
- Medication
- Clinical trials
- Assistive technology
- Rehabilitation activities
There is no cure yet for MS. However, there are strategies to modify the disease course, treat exacerbations, manage symptoms, and improve function and mobility.
Rehabilitation for people with MS
Rehabilitation varies depending on the range, expression, severity, and progression of symptoms. MS rehabilitation may help to accomplish the following:
- Restore functions that are essential to the activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Help the patient to reach maximum independence
- Promote family involvement
- Empower the patient to make the appropriate decisions relating to his or her care
- Educate the patient regarding the use of assistive devices (for example, canes, braces, or walkers)
- Establish an appropriate exercise program that promotes muscle strength, endurance, and control
- Reestablish motor skills
- Improve communication skills for patients who have difficulty speaking because of weakness or incoordination of face and tongue muscles
- Manage bowel or bladder incontinence
- Provide cognitive retraining
- Adapt the home environment to emphasize function, safety, accessibility, and mobility