Multiple Sclerosis Rehabilitation Strategies and Recommendations

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by neural inflammation and de-mylenation of the central nervous system. Nearly 1 million people live with MS in the United States. Common symptoms include fatigue, visual disorders, imbalance, spasticity, cognitive and emotional disorders, speech disorders, bladder, intestinal and sexual related disorders leading to most persons with MS becoming disabled as the disease progresses. Despite known exercise benefits, it has been found persons with MS are most inactive compared to age matched patients with other chronic conditions. Part of this problem is related to lack of guidelinesand conflicting understanding of exercise prescription and rehabilitation strategies in this population.

This course will lay out an understanding of pathophysiology of MS and how it relates to a wide variety of symptom presentation. Different stages and types of MS will be discussed along with efficient tests and measures to track progress and outcomes. Easy to use evidence-based guidelines to exercise prescription will be laid out. Interprofessional communication and team work as they pertain to management of patients with MS will be reviewed for application to treatment. A case study of a patient with MS through different stages will be used to discuss how rehabilitation needs to be modified as the condition progresses.

Highlights

• Neuropathology of MS and how it relates to unique symptom presentations seen in patients
• Practical assessment and re-assessment strategies that you can use the next day
• Role and responsibility of rehab disciplines in management of MS and recognize, prioritize and initiate appropriate referralprocesses
• Medical management and how it impacts rehabilitation in patients with MS
• Current guidelines on exercise prescription in patients with MS

Target Audience: Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Athletic Trainers