Biography
Biography: Khalid Anwar
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is a progressive, complex, heterogeneous neurological disorder associated with long-term disability. While current treatment and drugs aim to reduce multiple sclerosis (MS) exacerbations and slow disease progression, there is a need for comprehensive rehabilitation interventions in order to reduce sequels and symptoms of the disease, improve functional ability and quality of life. An integrated team of healthcare professionals is necessary to address a myriad of problems to reduce impairments, disabilities, and handicaps and to improve participation. Inpatient and outpatient multidisciplinary rehabilitation has been shown to be beneficial in improving disability, participation and quality of life despite progression of the disease. Timing and setting of rehabilitation interventions should be selected individually depending on disease phase, functional deficits, personal requirements, as well as specific goals. The problems may be related to weakness, spasticity, mobility, balance, pain, cognition, mood, relationships, bowel, bladder, sexual function, swallowing, speech, fatigue and activities of daily living (ADL) such as dressing, eating, bathing, and household chores. Good evidence exists for different specific interventions improving physical and cognitive performance. Rehabilitation should be an integral part of the management of this disease and should be available to the patient at all stages of the disease.