Symptom Management in Multiple Sclerosis

Cohen, 2008; Henze et al., 2006) of comprehensive MS care. While disease management therapies reduce disease activity and slow progression for many people, it is the ongoing management of symptoms that allows people to function in their daily lives with optimal comfort, safety, participation, and quality of life. Given the wide variety of neurological symptoms that can occur in MS, interdisciplinary care is the key to effective management.Any symptom of MS can be either acute or chronic. Acute onset of any of these symptoms could indicate an MS relapse that may or may not require high dose steroid treatment, depending on the severity and nature of the symptoms. Some of these acute symptoms may not fully recover and may leave residual symptoms that become chronic, including weakness of the extremities, ataxia, bladder dysfunction, bowel dysfunction, dysarthria, dysphagia, sensory problems and pain, sexual dysfunction, tremor, vertigo and visual impairment. Chronic symptoms generally include ambulation problems, cognitive impairment, fatigue, heat sensitivity, mood changes and spasticity.

Working with patients to manage their symptoms requires awareness not only of the functional impact each symptom might be having, but also the ways in which these visible and not-so-visible symptoms affect them emotionally, socially and vocationally. For most people with MS, the symptoms that are obvious to others at home and at work represent only a small part of what they are experiencing — and coping with — on a day-to-day basis. The symptoms that others cannot readily see or understand may actually have the greater impact on people’s lives and interactions with others." c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host="">

Symptom management is an essential component (Cohen, 2008; Henze et al., 2006) of comprehensive MS care. While disease management therapies reduce disease activity and slow progression for many people, it is the ongoing management of symptoms that allows people to function in their daily lives with optimal comfort, safety, participation, and quality of life. Given the wide variety of neurological symptoms that can occur in MS, interdisciplinary care is the key to effective management.Any symptom of MS can be either acute or chronic. Acute onset of any of these symptoms could indicate an MS relapse that may or may not require high dose steroid treatment, depending on the severity and nature of the symptoms. Some of these acute symptoms may not fully recover and may leave residual symptoms that become chronic, including weakness of the extremities, ataxia, bladder dysfunction, bowel dysfunction, dysarthria, dysphagia, sensory problems and pain, sexual dysfunction, tremor, vertigo and visual impairment. Chronic symptoms generally include ambulation problems, cognitive impairment, fatigue, heat sensitivity, mood changes and spasticity.

Working with patients to manage their symptoms requires awareness not only of the functional impact each symptom might be having, but also the ways in which these visible and not-so-visible symptoms affect them emotionally, socially and vocationally. For most people with MS, the symptoms that are obvious to others at home and at work represent only a small part of what they are experiencing — and coping with — on a day-to-day basis. The symptoms that others cannot readily see or understand may actually have the greater impact on people’s lives and interactions with others.

Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis: Management Strategies and Psychosocial Implications

Ambulation Problems

Ataxia (loss of coordination) and weakness can occur as symptoms of MS. Discover treatment information and resources for patients with ambulation issues.

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Bladder Dysfunction

Bladder symptoms occur in approximately 80% of people with MS. Discover how medications and rehabilitation therapy can help.

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Bowel Dysfunction

Bowel symptoms can appear many ways in MS. Learn about bowel dysfunction symptoms and the treatments and resources that can help.

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Cognitive Dysfunction

Individuals with MS can often have trouble with cognition. Learn more about treatment options and resources for your MS patients with cognitive dysfunction.

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Dysarthria and Dysphonia

Slurred speech and poor voice quality can often be symptoms of MS. Find treatment information and resources for your MS patients with dysarthria or dysphonia.

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Dysphagia

With dysphagia, it becomes difficult to swallow foods or liquids. Discover the treatment and resources to help improve swallowing function.

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Fatigue

About 80% of people with MS live with fatigue. Read about coping strategies and treatments for MS fatigue.

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Mood Changes

Some patients with MS may experience depression, anxiety and irritability. Find treatment information and resources to help your MS patients with mood changes.

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Sensory Symptoms and Pain

Patients with MS may experience sensory symptoms due to nerve damage. Explore treatment strategies and resources to help your MS patients with sensory pain.

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Sexual Dysfunction Problems

MS patients may be reluctant to talk about sexual issues. Learn about symptoms to watch for and treatment strategies for your patients with sexual dysfunction.

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Spasticity

Explore treatment options for spasticity symptoms such as muscle stiffness and spasms, and find resources to help clinicians and MS patients with spasticity.

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Tremor and Other Movement Disorders

Tremor, the most common movement disorder in MS, can also be the most debilitating. Read about treatment options for tremor.

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Vertigo

Vertigo, characterized by dizziness and a spinning sensation, is a common symptom of MS. Learn more about what causes vertigo and how it can be managed.

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Visual Impairment

Vision issues are often the first symptom of MS. Read about the treatment options for the most common vision impairments in MS.

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