Multiple Sclerosis: A Guide for Rehabilitation and Health Care Professionals.

Rumrill PD Jr, Hennessey ML, eds. Springfield, IL 62704, Charles C Thomas Publisher Ltd, 2001, hardcover/paperback, 228 pp, ISBN:0-398-07227-2 (hardcover), 0-398-07228-0 (paperback), $47.95 (hardcover), $31.95 (paperback).

This book was written for readers who are working with people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Its primary purpose is to introduce rehabilitation professionals to the other disciplines that would be part of the support network for people with MS and their families. With that goal, one would expect to find a discussion of the members of a rehabilitation team, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech and language pathologists. These professionals, however, are mentioned in one sentence as being involved with functional restoration, and the comments do not elaborate about what these professions offer. The view of the rehabilitation team is very narrow because the book focuses on the services of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and mentions most health care providers under the generic term "health care professionals." The book provides minimal discussion of the roles that the members of the rehabilitation team play, and there is a clear avoidance of occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech and language therapy.

The chapters in this book provide general information about the disease and its management, psychological issues, family issues, community living issues, employment concerns, and assistive technology. Personal summaries are found in each chapter, which provide the reader with information about the lives of people who have MS or who have family members with MS. This book is easy to read because it does not present significant technical or medical information, which might be overwhelming for a family member. A reference list can be found at the end of each chapter that would direct readers to medical sources as well as other resources.

Concepts are repeated in several chapters, which appears to be the result of multiple contributors. This repetition is useful during the discussion, given the range of topics covered in this book. The issues that people with MS or their family confront are addressed in easy-to-read chapters, and general resources are recommended for each area of concern.

This book would be useful for people with MS and their families because the text is easy to read and offers additional references for those who want more information. This book may not be detailed enough to be a resource for those who provide rehabilitation services. The psychosocial concerns for the patient with MS are addressed the best; therefore, this book may be a resource for those areas. Students in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy may find this book useful as a supplement to other resources that address the functional and motor rehabilitation or patient management concerns of people with MS.

Linda J Tsoumas, PT, MS Springfield College Springfield, Mass

Ms Tsoumas is Chairperson and Associate Professor of Physical Therapy in the Department of Physical Therapy. Her professional interests and expertise are in pediatric physical therapy, developmental disabilities, and neurology.