Mobility Concerns in Multiple Sclerosis—Studies and Surveys on US Patient Populations of Relevance to Nurses

Abstract

Despite significant advances in treatments and therapies for multiple sclerosis (MS) over the last two decades, there remains no effective treatment that can definitively halt the progression of functional impairments in MS. Impaired mobility, walking in particular, has been observed in early MS disease, and cross-sectional surveys according to MS clinical criteria have shown that approximately 50 % of existing patient populations with MS require mobility support, such as wheelchairs or walking aids, some or all of the time. Loss of mobility is one of the most disabling effects of MS, and adversely affects independence, employment, and quality of life. Additionally, as patients experience mobility loss, their ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) decreases and dependence on the assistance of others increases. The stress and physical burden of caring for a friend or relative with MS may affect the health of caregivers and increase their own requirement for healthcare resources. The identification of therapeutic options for improving impaired mobility and coping with disability represents an important aspect of patient management. This review will discuss current published literature on mobility matters in MS, how they affect the patient, and how they are measured and treated, with inclusion of the perspective of a MS nurse specialist.