Multiple Sclerosis: Physical and Occupational Therapy

Course overview

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease of an unknown cause that is sustained by an inflammatory process that occurs within the central nervous system (CNS). MS can be a mentally and physically debilitating as well as a multi-symptom disease. Patients with multiple sclerosis experience a variety of symptoms; it is often difficult to diagnosis because the disease’s symptoms frequently mimic other diseases. A patient’s functional abilities can vary depending on the type of MS that he/she is diagnosed with and how fast the disease progresses. Physical and occupational therapists play a key role in the treatment of patients with MS and it is important for these rehabilitation professionals to understand this disease. Additionally, physical and occupational therapists need to be aware of the signs and symptoms associated with MS, as well as assessment techniques and interventions, in order to be able to provide quality care for these patients. This course will define the signs and symptoms associated with MS and how MS is diagnosed. Also, this course will define treatment parameters for patients with MS and discuss exercise programs designed to help patients.