Chapter 13 - Symptomatic treatment and nutrition

Summary

INTRODUCTION

A chronic disease such as MS, the etiology of which is unclear, precludes the possibility of causal therapy. On the other hand, this disease encompasses a wide range of symptoms, clinical signs, and associated complications, providing a great challenge for the treating neurologist or physician. The first chapter in this section attempts to describe some of the most important aspects of symptomatic treatments available for patients suffering from MS. In surveying treatment options, measures such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy, as well as drug treatment, will be discussed. All of these measures can be unified under the heading of rehabilitation. In this context, the concept of rehabilitation should not be viewed too narrowly, attempting only to restore sensorimotor functions and the capacity to work. Comprehensive rehabilitation referred to here aims at the improvement, restoration, and maintenance of patients' overall quality of life, and maximum independence in all activities of daily living within their normal social environment.

As experience with, and advances in palliative treatment of, MS have expanded, life expectancy and quality of life of patients have markedly improved. In the past, disturbances caused by the disease and its accompanying complications, for example respiratory weakness and pneumonia, urinary tract infections and renal failure, decubital ulcers and sepsis, often led to premature death. In recent times, however, the use of chemotherapy or antibiotics, as well as determined combating of disease-induced inactivity, have allowed for the control or prevention of such life-threatening complications.