Meeting abstract
Assessment of balance in MS
Lana BOBIĆ LUCIĆ
; SB za medicinsku rehabilitaciju Lipik, Lipik
Anđelko LUCIĆ
; OŠ braće Radića, Pakrac
Abstract
People with multiple sclerosis (MS) can develop balance problems as a result of damage to the brain or spinal cord and approximately 75% of them will report problems at some stage during the course of their disease. Balance is a product of the postural task undertaken and the environment in which it is performed. Since MS can affect any area of the CNS, a number of systems may contribute to loss of balance control. In order to maintain balance a patient must have 2 of the following 3 inputs to the cortex: visual confirmation of position, non-visual confirmation of position (including proprioceptive and vestibular input) and a normally functioning cerebellum. Individuals who are unable to re-weight their motor or sensory systems to an appropriate level (due to pathology) are at risk of falling. Finding the best way to manage balance problems in people with MS requires a unique approach for each individual. To optimise early intervention and potential neuroplasticity, assessment is recommended soon after a diagnosis of MS. Use of only one balance assessment tool may not elicit appropriate balance responses or be sensitive in measuring true balance owing to a person’s ability to compensate or re-weight other systems to achieve the goal of balance. It is recommended that a number of tools be employed to assess balance due to the diversity of the patients and their impairments. The aim of this review is to summarize balance assessments in people with MS.
Keywords
balance; multiple sclerosis; assessement
Hrčak ID:
150781
URI
Publication date:
25.11.2015.
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