Part III - Management and therapy
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 October 2010
Summary
A chronic disease such as MS, the etiology of which is unclear, precludes the possibility of causal therapy. On the other hand, it encompasses a wide range of symptoms, clinical signs, and associated complications, providing a great challenge for the treating neurologist or physician. An attempt is made in this section to describe some of the most important aspects of symptomatic treatments available for patients suffering from MS. In surveying treatment options, measures such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy, as well as drug treatment, are discussed. All of these measures can be unified under the heading of rehabilitation. In this context, the concept of rehabilitation should not be viewed too narrowly, attempting only to restore sensorimotor functions and the capacity to work. Comprehensive rehabilitation referred to here aims at the improvement, restoration, and maintenance of patients' overall quality of life, and maximum independence in all activities of daily living within their normal social environment.
To the average clinical practitioner, the mass of data on the postulated causes of MS and possible related therapies must appear confusing rather than informative. Thus, apart from discussing the aspects outlined above, it is necessary to give a critical overview of current attempts to find a causal therapy for the disease. A proper understanding of experimental treatments is absolutely necessary if the practitioner is to counsel patients. This is particularly important if additional damage to the patient, be it physical or psychological, is to be avoided.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Multiple Sclerosis , pp. 133 - 134Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 1996