title: Gait impairment and optimizing mobility in multiple sclerosis.
abstract: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disease that causes demyelination and degeneration within the brain and spinal cord. This may result in many impairments, including impaired ambulation, muscle weakness, abnormal tone, visual disturbances, decreased sensation, and fatigue. Rehabilitation helps patients with MS maximize independence by helping to manage and minimize impairments. Deficits seen in ambulation should be addressed to improve energy efficiency and reduce falls. Compensation through appropriate prescription of assistive devices, bracing, and wheelchairs will help improve safety. Rehabilitation can make a significant impact on achieving and maintaining quality of life and independence.
authors: University of Washington Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA. Electronic address: vstevens@u.washington.edu.
authors: Victoria
authors: V
authors: Stevens
authors: Kelli
authors: K
authors: Goodman
authors: Katherine
authors: K
authors: Rough
authors: George H
authors: GH
authors: Kraft
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls; D051341:Dependent Ambulation; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D005080:Exercise Test; D005221:Fatigue / Q000209:etiology; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D020234:Gait Ataxia / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000209:etiology; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000209:etiology; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D012656:Self-Help Devices; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: Balance; Falls; Gait; Multiple sclerosis; Rehabilitation