Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory, neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system (CNS). It is the most common cause of nontraumatic disability in young adults. Patients with MS often develop challenges with gait and balance, spasticity, cognition, fatigue, weakness, swallow and speech difficulties, bladder, bowel, and wounds. Physiatrists have to be well equipped to manage many of the symptomatic challenges that may otherwise go undetected or unacknowledged. An understanding of the pathogenesis, pharmacologic, and rehabilitative options for persons with MS (PwMS) is vital for the practicing physiatrist. With the advent of highly efficacious disease-modifying therapies, patients and families continue to expect improved quality of life and would like treatment options extending into optimal management of their myriad of symptoms. The role of physiatry for PwMS will continue to expand. It is vital that the practitioner be familiar with the specificities of MS, what differentiates it from other diseases, and how impactful rehabilitation intervention is for this population.