title: Neuropsychological evaluation and treatment of multiple sclerosis: the importance of a neuro-rehabilitation focus.
abstract: This article describes the components of a neuropsychologic evaluation and some of the primary indications for its use in multiple sclerosis (MS). We also detail the kinds of neurocognitive and neurobehavioral problems that are cited commonly in the relevant literature and seen in the clinical setting. We provide a brief overview of the brain structures that are affected commonly by MS, and their implications for neuropsychologic function. We have included an overview of some of the current medications that are used to target cognitive and emotional symptoms that can be a direct result of the disease. We also present four representative case examples of composite patients, and briefly review the ways in which neuropsychologic evaluation and neuro-rehabilitation treatments can help people who have MS.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 356490, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. mpepping@u.washington.edu
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pepping
authors.forename: Dawn M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Ehde
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D008606:Mental Processes / Q000502:physiology; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D009484:Neuropsychology