Ataxia
Li Y, Zeng C, Luo T. Paroxysmal dysarthria and ataxia in multiple sclerosis and corresponding magnetic resonance imaging findings. J Neurol 2010; 1-4
Gibson-Horn C. Balance-based torso-weighting in a patient with ataxia and multiple sclerosis: A case report. J Neurol Phys Ther 2008; 32 (3): 139-146
The use of external body weights, although controversial, is occasionally employed to improve balance or mobility in patients with ataxia or tremor. This case report describes the effect of torso-weighting to counteract directional balance loss in a woman with relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis. Authors conclude that placing small amounts of weight asymmetrically on the torso, based on directional loss of balance and alignment, assisted the patient in maintaining balance during static and dynamic activities.
Mills R, Yap L, Young C. Treatment for ataxia in multiple sclerosis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2007; 24;(1): CD005029
Review of disabling tremor or ataxia in MS. 10 randomised controlled trials met the inclusion criteria, including three neurorehabilitation trials. Pharmacotherapies are described as unsuccessful and although promising the neurorehabilitation trials provided insufficient evidence to lead to a change in practice
Thoumie P, Lamotte D, Cantalloube S, Faucher M, Amarenco G. Motor determinants of gait in 100 ambulatory patients with multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 2005;11(4):485-91.
Compared 100 people with MS with 20 healthy controls and assessed that the average velocity and strength of the hamstring and quadriceps was lower in people with MS than the control group.
Gillen G. Improving mobility and community access in an adult with ataxia. Am J Occup Ther 2002;56(4):462-6.
Case study of OT intervention with one person with ataxia, including assistive technology, positioning and orthotics.
Armutlu K, Karabudak K, Nurlu G. Physiotherapy approaches in the treatment of ataxic multiple sclerosis: a pilot study. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2001;15(3):203-11.
Investigated efficacy of neuromuscular rehabilitation in 13 people with MS & ataxia compared with Johnstone Pressure Splints in the same number. Some differences between the two approaches were observed but overall physiotherapy approaches are deemed effective rehabilitation.
Jones L, Lewis Y, Harrison J, Wiles CM. The effectiveness of occupational therapy and physiotherapy in multiple sclerosis patients with ataxia of the upper limb and trunk. Clinical Rehabilitation 1996; 10(4): 277-82.
28 of 37 patients with ataxia received eight half-hour sessions of OT & physiotherapy over 8 consecutive working days, compared with 9 control subjects who received no intervention. Using a range of outcome measures, the treatment group showed significant improvement compared with the control group, providing support for intervention in these clients.
Albrecht H, Schwecht M, Pollmann W, Parag D, Erasmus LP, Konig N. Local ice application in therapy of kinetic limb ataxia. Clinical assessment of positive treatment effects in patients with multiple sclerosis Nervenzart 1998; 69(12): 1066-73.
Article is written in German.
Examined 21 people with MS at several points from one to 45 minutes after cooling the most affected forearm, using six tests. At each stage, skin temperature and nerve conduction velocity were recorded. All tests were videoed for later analysis, and standardized evaluation was performed by the investigators and an independent team. After local cooling, all patients showed positive benefits, especially a fall in intention tremor. This effect lasted 45minutes or longer. Suggests that patients may be able to self-treat with ice when short-term reduction of intention tremor is required.