Multiple Sclerosis – Multiple Sclerosis (“MS”) is a condition in which the immune system attacks and damages the nerve linings in the brain and spinal cord. Multiple Sclerosis is a progressive disease that people will have from birth but may only show symptoms from around 20 years old. It is an auto immune disease and the exact causes are currently unknown.

SYMPTOMS

• An individual with MS may experience some or all the following:
  • Poor balance / gait difficulties / falls risk
  • Weakness / fatigue
  • Speech and language problems
  • Cognitive difficulties
  • Sensory changes: numbness / tingling
  • Muscular discoordination and changes with vision
  • Stiffness, spasms, spasticity
  • Cognitive changes
  • Reduced manual dexterity in hands
  • Pain
  • Tremors / ataxia
  • Poor vision
  • Decreased functional independence

HOW WE CAN HELP

• At Q Enrichment Center, our Occupational Therapist will conduct an extensive comprehensive assessment to determine the type of difficulty, the severity and the effects it has on activities of daily living. A detailed report will be completed along with a treatment plan specific to each individual’s needs.  Recommendations for the safest diet will be made in order to avoid any further health complications.
• Intervention would focus on:
  • Finding alternative methods / compensatory strategies to perform activities of daily living (e.g. bathing, dressing, using the toileting)
  • Assessing the home and work environment to identify potential hazards and to create a more functional environment specific to the clients’ needs
  • Recommending special equipment or assistive devices for use at home, school or work
  • Teaching the client and caregiver how to properly use adaptive equipment, like orthotics, braces or wheelchairs
  • Recommending exercises to strengthen fine motor skills, coordination and mental alertness
  • Teaching the client and/or caregiver on exercises and home programmes for carryover in the home.
  • Educating the client on energy effectiveness strategies and stress management techniques
  • Environmental and behavioral modifications (home and job-site)
  • positioning to maintain range of motion and minimize pain

Other Adult Occupational Services

Speech Therapy For Adults