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Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports
Published in: Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports 5/2011

01-10-2011

Gait Abnormalities in Multiple Sclerosis: Pathogenesis, Evaluation, and Advances in Treatment

Authors: Michelle H. Cameron, Joanne M. Wagner

Published in: Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports | Issue 5/2011

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Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system characterized by episodic decline in various neurologic functions. Gait dysfunction in MS is distinguished by decreased gait speed, walking endurance, step length, cadence and joint motion, as well as increased metabolic cost of walking and increased variability of gait. Standardized clinical, timed, and patient-based measures can identify MS patients with gait dysfunction, and observational gait analysis, instrumented walkways, or three-dimensional gait analysis can help determine which problem underlies their gait dysfunction to help direct effective treatment. Exercise may ameliorate all types of gait dysfunction. In addition, gait dysfunction due to weakness may be alleviated by orthoses or functional electrical stimulation; gait dysfunction due to spasticity may be relieved by oral, intrathecal, or intramuscular medications. Assistive devices and balance training may reduce gait dysfunction from imbalance, and dalfampridine may accelerate gait in people with MS who walk slowly.
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Metadata
Title
Gait Abnormalities in Multiple Sclerosis: Pathogenesis, Evaluation, and Advances in Treatment
Authors
Michelle H. Cameron
Joanne M. Wagner
Publication date
01-10-2011
Publisher
Current Science Inc.
Published in
Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports / Issue 5/2011
Print ISSN: 1528-4042
Electronic ISSN: 1534-6293
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-011-0214-y

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