ADULT REHABILITATION · Health guide
Multiple sclerosis
Rehabilitation for fatigue, balance and movement difficulties in multiple sclerosis: managing daily energy and coordinating with neurological follow-up.
Updated: · General information
What is MS?
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease affecting the central nervous system. Changes in nerve conduction can affect movement, sensation, vision and other functions. The disease has different patterns of progression; relapses and periods of recovery do not occur in the same way in everyone.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Fatigue, numbness, weakness, and problems with balance or vision may occur. Because these symptoms can also arise from other causes, the diagnosis is made through neurological assessment. MRI and, where needed, other investigations are interpreted together with the clinical history and the examination.
Treatment and the role of rehabilitation
Medication for the disease and for symptoms is selected by neurology. Rehabilitation aims to support movement capacity, energy management and participation in daily life. The programme is reviewed as needs relating to spasticity, assistive devices and environmental adaptation change.
Fatigue and variation through the day
The symptoms of MS can vary through the day and between periods. Alongside walking capacity, fatigue and problems with sensation, vision and attention are addressed. In some people, heat can temporarily worsen symptoms. The exercise environment and rest intervals are arranged around these individual responses.
Goals are updated according to the course of the disease
Goals are chosen such as continuing at work, moving safely around the home or managing stairs. Assistive devices are used where needed to support independence. New neurological symptoms should not be attributed to exercise alone without the possibility of infection or a relapse being assessed by the neurology team.
Your questions
Patient information
Does rehabilitation replace MS medication?
No. Disease-modifying medication is planned by neurology. Rehabilitation supports function and participation.
If there is fatigue, does that mean exercise is impossible?
The intensity of exercise and the intervals between sessions can be adjusted appropriately. The aim is not to exhaust the person but to build a sustainable capacity for movement.
