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Progressive MS – Rehabilitation Effectiveness — SCE Neurology MCQ

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EasyNeurorehabilitationProgressive MS – Rehabilitation EffectivenessSCE Neurology

A 50-year-old woman with MS is diagnosed with secondary progressive MS. She asks whether physical rehabilitation can still help at this stage. What does the evidence show?

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Correct answer: D — Rehabilitation remains effective in progressive MS — it cannot reverse neurodegeneration but can: maintain and optimise function, prevent secondary complications, improve quality of life, and slow functional decline; evidence supports exercise, physiotherapy, and MDT rehabilitation in SPMS

Rehabilitation is effective across ALL MS stages including progressive MS. While it cannot reverse the underlying neurodegeneration, it can: (1) maintain existing function for longer, (2) prevent secondary complications (contractures, deconditioning, pressure ulcers), (3) optimise function through compensatory strategies and equipment, (4) improve quality of life (physical, psychological, social), (5) reduce symptom burden (spasticity, pain, fatigue). NICE NG100 recommends ongoing access to specialist neurorehabilitation throughout the disease course. A: Strong evidence for rehabilitation in SPMS. C: Rehabilitation complements medication. D: Should continue. E: Rehabilitation is broader than palliative care.

Reference: NICE NG100 MS; Cochrane MS Rehabilitation Reviews