Neurorehabilitation Topics in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: From Outcome Measurements to Rehabilitation Interventions

Semin Neurol. 2016 Apr;36(2):196-202. doi: 10.1055/s-0036-1579694. Epub 2016 Apr 26.

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system and the most common cause of nontraumatic disability in young adults. It is a heterogeneous disease associated with long-term disability, negatively influencing quality of life. Disease-modifying pharmacological therapies may decrease activity and progression of the disease, and symptomatic pharmacological treatments may reduce complaints to a certain extent; however, MS patients mostly still suffer from several neurologic deficits in the course of their disease. Consequently, specific comprehensive nonpharmacological rehabilitation interventions are needed to reduce disability to obtain better independence in activities of daily living, resulting in an optimal quality of life. Here the authors give an overview of the main sensorimotor symptoms in MS. Some of the most commonly used standardized outcome assessments are presented, and existing evidence-based motor rehabilitation strategies are described.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Disease Progression
  • Humans
  • Multiple Sclerosis / rehabilitation*
  • Neurological Rehabilitation*
  • Quality of Life