Neurorehabilitation for Multiple Sclerosis

Overview

Neurorehabilitation services can be helpful for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Types of these neurorehabilitation services include:

Spasticity Clinic

When spasticity is bothersome and interferes with activities, a comprehensive treatment plan can be started. This includes consultations with a physiatrist, follow-up visits with the nursing staff, APCs, and physical therapy and/or occupational therapy sessions. Potential treatment modalities include oral medications, botulinum toxin therapy and intrathecal therapy, depending on your specific needs.

Medical Management

This service includes oral medicines, injections, and infusion pumps.

Wheelchair Seating Evaluations

Some therapists have completed specialty training and have extensive experience in personalized wheelchair evaluation. They work with you, your doctor, wheelchair vendors and insurance companies to ensure that you get a manual or power wheelchair that is right for you.

Wheelchair Evaluation

Physical Therapy

Exercise programs

Exercise has proven to be beneficial in multiple sclerosis, particularly to fight chronic fatigue and to improve mobility. However, the type, frequency, and duration of exercise vary widely depending on a patient’s needs and limitations. Physical therapists can design and train you to perform customized exercise programs at home.

Walking safety

If you have fallen or if you experience unsteadiness, a physical therapist can teach you ways to walk safely and recommend simple devices that help reduce the risk of falling.

Gait and balance training

Batteries of tests and sophisticated equipment are now available to physical therapists to help patients address a variety of balance and gait issues.

Braces and functional electrical stimulation for foot drop

A number of devices are available to improve gait pattern. Physical therapists can help determine which ones would be helpful to you, and train you in their use.

Functional capacity evaluation (FCE)

This type of evaluation, which consists of one 3-hour session, helps define your ability to function at work. The recommendations from the FCE can help your employer in making accommodations. If you are unable to maintain employment due to your MS symptoms, the results of the FCE can document your limitations for your disability claim.

Occupational Therapy

Splinting or bracing for the hands and arms

Occupational therapists can create custom splints and braces to help maximize the comfort and/or function of your arms and hands.

Activities of daily living (ADLs)

An occupational therapist can help you maximize your ability to perform activities such as:

  • Dressing
  • Bathing
  • Eating
  • Writing
  • Preparing meals
  • Housekeeping

Beyond specific training, an occupational therapist can instruct you in the use of adaptive equipment, and recommend modifications to your home that make it easier and safer to function on a daily basis.

Energy conservation

Do you get tired completing basic tasks around the house? If so, an occupational therapist can offer many suggestions on how to manage your energy more effectively throughout the day.

Memory problems

If you are experiencing problems remembering your appointments, taking your medications, or paying your bills on time, our occupational therapists may be able to help you develop a more effective system, and can provide memory training.

Speech-Language Pathology

A speech-language pathologist can teach you how to modify your speech to:

  • Pronounce words more clearly
  • Improve your breath support for speech
  • Improve the sound of your speech to convey a more natural and smoother sound

A pathologist can also provide support and education for swallowing and cognition.

Swallowing

Speech-language pathologists teach you exercises and strategies to make swallowing safer and more comfortable.

Cognitive-linguistics

Early speech-language intervention promotes brain reorganization and improved outcomes. A speech-language therapy program includes strategy training to compensate for:

  • Memory
  • Problem solving
  • Organization
  • Word-finding impairments
  • Challenges in understanding complex conversations

Strategies to work and think more efficiently reduce fatigue and promote improved outcomes.

Resources

For more information about the Mellen Center's Neurorehabilitation and Spasticity Clinic, please download our guide below.

A Guide for Providers. Mellen Center Neurorehabilitation and Spasticity Clinic

Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Guide

To schedule an appointment, please call 216.444.8600. For general questions, call 216.444.9969.

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 11/02/2018.

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