A diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis can be scary and cause all sorts of negative emotions and feelings. As an Occupational Therapy Assistant, I have experience with patients who are newly diagnosed and who have been living with Multiple Sclerosis for most of their lives, and I have learned to help them in so many different ways. It is important to know that the diagnosis is only the beginning of this journey.  

The Cause Broken Down

Multiple Sclerosis is a disease of the Central Nervous System.

By: Abhijit Bhaduri

It is caused when the body attacks itself and breaks down the connections between your brain and the rest of your body. The cause of this disease can be due to many factors and the root cause is still unknown.

Treatments

By: Ryan Moomey

It’s an ongoing process that includes:

•     * Medications to manage the disease course and treat flare-ups
•     * Rehabilitation to promote function
•     * Managing both physical and mental health
•     * Diet and Exercise
•     * Social Support Systems

The Role of Exercise, Education and Medication in Fatigue Management for People with Multiple Sclerosis

A study conducted by Asano & Finlayson (2014) examined the impact of exercise, education and medication on fatigue management for people with Multiple Sclerosis. The study exclaimed that the rehabilitation avenue should be considered first as a treatment option for individuals with MS, even before medication management due to its numerous positive effects. However, the study does explain that a multidisciplinary approach, that combines all three, would be the best way to manage Multiple Sclerosis. It is important for individuals to educate themselves on identifying symptoms and taking action with either a medical or rehabilitative route or a combination of both. Educational interventions, such as self-management components, are also very important to consider (Asano & Finlayson, 2014). Although it is extremely challenging to find specific conclusions for which treatment intervention is best, it is crucial to understand symptom management strategies for individuals with MS. 

Research has proven that incorporating a healthy diet and daily exercise, avoiding smoking, staying on top of routine doctor visits and managing symptoms and engaging in mental and physical rehabilitation can lead to an increase in overall health and well-being.

By: Free Images

Mental Health is just as Important as Physical Health!

     * Resilience    *     Positivity   *          * Managing Stress  *   

   * Paying Attention to Depression &    Anxiety  *

       * Sustaining & Engaging in                                                                           Meaningful Relationships *

By: RichardBH

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Management of Multiple Sclerosis Related Pain

An article by Gromisch et al. (2020) focused its research on pain in people with Multiple Sclerosis and studied the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Although medications are the most significant form of treatment for MS, there still seems to be issues regarding the most effective treatments for people diagnosed with MS. Medications, however, are not always the best and only option for MS. Cognitive behavioral therapy has been studied to show its effect on fatigue and depression with people with MS. Ultimately, medication is very useful and can help manage so many symptoms of MS. However, it is not the only option, and this study does a great job in providing more information and explanations as to why health care professionals need to consider a more holistic view.

Treatment Approaches should focus on: 

By: Jeremiah “GrayBeard” Richards

* Holistic View * Comprehensive Care * Multidisciplinary Approach *

     * Combination of Medication Management & Physical and Mental Rehabilitation * 

MS Resources

You are not alone. This is only the beginning. Check out this Podcast through the Multiple Sclerosis Discovery Forum and this blog through the National MS Society for more information about the role of medication in people with MS and other helpful information:

Multiple Sclerosis Discovery Forum

Sense of self

References 

Asano, M., & Finlayson, M. L. (2014). Meta-analysis of three different types of fatigue management interventions for people with multiple sclerosis: Exercise, education, and medication. Multiple Sclerosis International, 2014, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/798285

Gromisch, E. S., Kerns, R. D., Czlapinski, R., Beenken, B., Otis, J., Lo, A. C., & Beauvais, J. (2020). Cognitive behavioral therapy for the management of multiple sclerosis–related pain. International Journal of MS Care, 22(1), 8-14. https://doi.org/10.7224/1537-2073.2018-023

What is MS? (2020). National Multiple Sclerosis Society. https://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS