
Multiple Sclerosis Rehabilitation
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) nerves. Canada has one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis in the world, with an estimated 77,000 Canadians living with the disease. The disease attacks myelin, the protective covering of the nerves, causing inflammation and often damaging the myelin. Myelin is necessary for the transmission of nerve impulses through nerve fibres.
Symptoms vary among individuals and can include extreme fatigue, lack of coordination, weakness, tingling, impaired sensation, vision problems, bladder problems, cognitive impairment, and mood changes. Physiotherapists provide a unique contribution to the management of people with MS through the improvement and maintenance of functional abilities and management of long term symptoms.