Multiple Sclerosis

What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, autoimmune, inflammatory disease of the central nervous system primarily presenting in the 3^rd and 4^th decades of life and a common cause of severe disability in people between the ages of 15 and 40. In Greece in 2020, 21,000 people were living with MS. The progression of the disease is characterized by relapses and remissions.

Symptoms of MS are primarily due to damage to the myelin sheath in the white matter of the Central Nervous System and are determined by the anatomical location of the damage.

What Symptoms does MS cause?

MS can cause:

• Problems of movement: muscle weakness, spasticity, ataxic gait, tremor, uncoordinated fine movements, easy fatigue
• Sensory disturbances: numbness, dysesthesia, tingling, pain.
• Visual disturbances (optic neuritis, diplopia) and hearing problems.
• Disturbance of higher mental functions: concentration, attention, memory, organization of thought and speech, etc.
• Emotional and behavioral disorders (depression, mental retardation, apathy, dementia, etc.) and severe difficulty adapting.
• Problems with bladder and bowel functions, and sexual function (constipation, incontinence, impotence).
• Intermittent or constant dizziness.
• Disturbance of personal and professional life.

What are the different categories of MS?

Depending on the course of the disease, MS is currently classified into  five main categories :

1. Relapsing-remitting MS  85% of sufferers have this form
2. Primary Progressive disease
3. Secondary Progressive disease
4. Clinically Isolated Syndrome
5. Radiologically isolated syndrome

Why should multiple sclerosis treatment include rehabilitation?

The key to limiting the multiple practical effects and complications of MS (including respiratory infections, pressure injuries, contractions, depression, etc.) is a personal, integrated, and effective Rehabilitation program. This entails assessment of the patient and their environment and a comprehensive treatment program, prepared according to their requirements. The multi-faceted problems experienced by the patient with MS require a multidisciplinary approach, offered only in special Rehabilitation Centers and only by a specialized Rehabilitation Team.

What does  Anaplasi do for the multiple sclerosis sufferer?

At ANAPLASI, we assess the needs and abilities of each patient with multiple sclerosis, in collaboration with their treating physician, and implement a personalized therapeutic Outpatient Program (National Insurance Package, EOPYY Ημερήσιας Νοσηλεία. This can include physical therapy, special kinesiotherapy in the therapeutic pool, occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychological support for the patient and his family environment, neurocognitive therapy, nutritional assessment and dietary monitoring, occupational (re)orientation, where required, as well as therapeutic recreation. During a relapse of the disease, ANAPLASI provides a program of inpatient therapy that is available (National Insurance Package, EOPYY Κλειστή Νοσηλεία).

The rehabilitation program of the patient with multiple sclerosis can also be accomplished with our Home Rehabilitation Programs.

In this way, the patient benefits from complete and integrated physical, mental, and social support at every stage of their illness.