Occupational Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is known as one of central nervous system diseases that is caused by lesions in myelination leading to different neurologic signs and symptoms. Due to various problems of these patients choosing proper intervention should be highlighted in national health agenda and treatment should be applied as soon as possible. Occupational therapy is one of major therapeutic options concerning individual’s Health status. Materials and Methods: Although drugs can hinder the progress of disease in these patients, many patients would still experience restrictions. Rehabilitation can provide services to maximize performance, prevention and enable individuals. Decreasing disabilities isthe primary goal of rehabilitation. Rehabilitation team members can educate patients and intervene to promoting health as soon as the disorder is diagnosed even if the disabilities are not still obvious and clinically observed. So in this study we are going to define someprofessional assessment and intervention in this disorder. Results: In order to evaluate these patients indexes such as Performance Assessment of Self-care Skills, Barthel, FIM, Kurtzke Scale would really help. Additionaly Multiple Sclerosis Quality of life Inventory, PainEffect Scale, Fatigue Assessment Battery for Multiple Sclerosis, Fatigue Impact Scale, Dynamic Gait Index (DGI-P), Impact of Visual Impairment Scale, Perceived Deficits Questionnaire, Balance Evaluation Systems Test, Berg test, Mental Health Inventory, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test and Modified Social Support Survey would report patient’s condition to design and plan intervention program. Conclusion: According to various assessments, patient’s problems and the severity of involvements interventions would be provided. The most important therapy field would be related to fatigue, weakness, spasticity, balance and coordination, sensory problems, transfer and mobility cognitive problems, activity of daily living, vocational rehabilitation and psychosocial. In the light of the above, occupational therapists can benefit from these assessments and treatment fields to enrich their early intervention in these fields.