Managing the Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis, ed 4.

Managing the Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis, ed 4

Schapiro RT. New York, NY 10016, Demos Medical Publishing Inc, 2003, paperback, 208 pp, illus, ISBN: 1-888799-78-1, $19.95.

The stated purpose of this book is to empower patients and their families with information to manage the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) so that they can live life to its fullest. This revised edition of Managing the Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis was reorganized into sections that address the disease, management of symptoms, and health concerns. The personal management strategies that are presented are based on the program of the Fairview Multiple Sclerosis Center in Minneapolis. With the intended audience of patients and their families, this book is written for the general public and incorporates full explanations of medical terminology and research information so that they can be easily understood.

The first section, on the disease and its medical management, provides an overview of the disease that encompasses basic medical information, drug management, side effects, and how to address an acute attack. The reader is provided with questions to ask while selecting a physician, and readers are urged to recognize that the patient has an important role in managing this disease.

The next 16 chapters in section II address the individual symptoms of MS. The coverage of the MS symptoms is comprehensive, and there is valuable information about each symptom, with suggestions on addressing the problems related to that symptom. For example, the chapter on fatigue contains a detailed list of recommendations on energy conservation. The chapter on bowel symptoms provides an excellent overview of the neurology underlying the problems that patients face, followed by practical recommendations for daily application.

The third section, on health, presents chapters on diet and nutrition, exercise, sexuality, and adaptation to the disease. Recommendations for a reasonable approach to exercise are presented with a focus on balance, relaxation, and mobility. The book emphasizes tailoring an exercise program for the individual, although physical therapists and occupational therapists are not identified as the preferred providers.

The final section contains 4 appendixes that include a glossary of terms; exercises for spasticity, balance, and strengthening; information on transfers and mobility; and a resource index. The glossary is fairly comprehensive although there is no mention of health care providers beyond the neurologist in the listings. The sections on exercise and transfers have helpful line drawings for each activity. Arrows indicate the movement directions for each of the exercises and there is a combination of self-stretching exercises and range of motion exercises that require a second person to perform. Because the descriptions of some of the exercises are limited, a therapist would need to provide further information about positioning and execution of the exercise. Lastly, the resource listing has both reading recommendations and electronic information sources. The listings are recent, although there may be additional ones that a physical therapist could recommend.

This book does not include citations to the primary literature or any bibliography to support its content; however, the content has been updated periodically with revisions. Given the intended purpose of providing information to patients, this book meets its goal and would serve as a comprehensive source of information for a patient. A physical therapist who is seeking one book as a comprehensive reference lot patients would find this one to be useful. The writing style makes this an excellent source for patient education about multiple sclerosis.

Linda J Tsoumas, PT, EdD

Springfield College 

Springfield, Mass

Dr Tsoumas is Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy where she teaches courses in neurologic patient management and physical therapy administration and management.