Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease that affects the central nervous system. It causes the immune system to attack the myelin sheath, the protective coating around nerve fibres, which allows signals to transmit quickly.

MS leads to impaired function, in some cases with acute “flare-ups”. The disease progresses in proportion to the rate of new lesions in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).

Causes

Symptoms

Treatment

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Causes

There is no specific cause that triggers multiple sclerosis. It is assumed that the combination of various factors leads to the disease and is referred to as multifactorial development.

In multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune reaction against the myelin sheath develops. The myelin sheath insulates the nerve cells of the human body and ensures that information is passed quickly through the nerve pathways. If the myelin sheath is defective, the nerves do not send the information properly and dysfunctions occur in the body.

Symptoms

MS symptoms develop due to sites of demyelinated lesions or inflammation, which can occur in all fibre pathways of the central nervous system.

Symptoms of MS include:

Impaired limb and core motor function
Reduced fine motor skills
Cramps and spasms
Blurred vision, usually in one eye
Double vision (diplopia)
Sensory problems
Fatigue
Problems with balance
Pain

Treatment

There is currently no cure for MS. However, there are various treatment options to inhibit relapses, to keep the course symptom free and to stop the progression of the disease.

Physiotherapy

Maintain joint mobility
Maintain motor response
Improve coordination and posture
Increase core stability
Improve gait

Occupational therapy

Maintain maximum independence for personal hygiene, bathing, dressing, etc.
Teach safe transfer techniques, particularly sitting to sitting
Improve both superficial and deep sensory issues, such as tingling
Improve coordination of voluntary movements: fine motor skills, coordination of both hands, agility, strength and endurance
Writing exercises to improve coordination
Adapt the home environment to improve quality of life
Help to manage fatigue

Tailored physical activity programmes

Teach techniques to manage exertion and fatigue
Stimulate coordination of the lower/upper limbs (e.g., pilates, basketball, aerobics, dance, etc.)
Help to make sport and exercise enjoyable again