Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease of the CNS that commonly affects young adults. While advances in disease modifying therapies has positively altered the natural history of the disease, people are still impacted by ongoing symptoms. Symptoms negatively impact activities, relationships, employment and overall quality of life. This session will provide assessment and management strategies for three symptoms that present significant challenges to the individual and for the provider. Pain, sleep disorders and visual symptoms can be particularly complex and difficult to effectively manage. Pain is experienced by >50% of people with MS; either neuromuscular or neuropathic, and impacts mobility, mood, sleep and usual activities. Effective treatments and management strategies are possible but are highly individualized and may take time to optimize. Sleep problems in MS are often clinically underrecognized, yet affect people with MS far more than the general population, ranging from 25% – 54%. Sleep disorders are associated with cognitive dysfunction, higher levels of daytime fatigue, poor quality of life and greater risk for vascular comorbidities. Early identification and treatment are important to prevent poor outcomes. Visual disturbances are common in MS, and significantly impact function and quality of life. Accurate assessment and interventions are necessary to reduce the impact of visual symptoms.
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